Firefighters brave elements in support of people with muscular dystrophy

By James Tubb on March 26, 2024.

Anna Smith

Though consistent snow put a damper on activity, this year’s Rooftop Campout by the Medicine Hat Firefighters Charitable Foundation was a marked success.

“I think this is like the worst weather we’ve had probably since I’ve been running the event. So it’s been quite a few years since we’ve had consistent snow and cold,” said director Dylan Gustafson. “I think maybe that was our biggest challenge for, you know, getting people out to donate.”

Even with the consistent winter conditions, said Gustafson, the foundation was still able to raise $12,472 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada over the course of the three-day campout.

“It just doesn’t seem to matter what’s going on, the general generosity of our community just always shines through,” said Gustafson. “We did $15,000 last year, but I think the year before we were around $12,500, as well. So it’s consistent, it’s in the same ballpark. And yeah, like you said, with the weather, I’m not totally surprised. But I am just really grateful for everybody who came out to donate, and to our sponsors, and of course, our guys on the roof.”

The firefighters themselves did need some extra heaters to combat the cold, but overall fared fine over the weekend, and are all the closer for the experience, said Gustafson.

“They were trying to stay warm as best they could,” said Gustafson. “But honestly, no complaints; none of them would even dare to complain about what they went through. It was a walk in the park compared to what people with muscular dystrophy have to go through every day.”

Gustafson explained that part of the appeal of the campout is to somewhat emulate the difficult conditions that people with muscular dystrophy have to face in their daily lives, by weathering the elements.

“They all probably have a few stories. I’m sure there have been lots of laughs up there and getting to know each other a little better,” said Gustafson. “I talked to all of them, and they are pretty pumped with the weekend.”

Gustafson and the Medicine Hat Firefighters Charitable Foundation put forward their gratitude for everyone’s generosity, both in person and on the online site that had been open to those inclined during the campout.

“It’s incredible to watch the generosity happen in real time, people just pulling in people writing cheques, donating online, any way that they can,” said Gustafson. “They’re making the effort to support us and support our causes. And it really means a lot to all of us here at the fire service.”