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Lethbridge firefighters set up camp on Hudsons Pub’s roof for Muscular Dystrophy

Mar 28, 2019 | 12:16 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Emergency service workers are up on the roof.

Lethbridge firefighters and paramedics are camped out on the rooftop of Hudsons Pub, raising funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

“As a firefighter, I feel like we have an obligation to give back to the community and this is a great cause for us to be able to support,” said David Skilling, a firefighter taking part in the event for the first time.

“Coming out for four days, that’s easy. The people with muscular dystrophy have the real battle and this is easy for us. We’re glad to be out here, glad to be doing this and raising awareness and money for Muscular Dystrophy (Canada).”

Skilling said there will be a barbecue on Friday and a pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Throughout the event, a boot will be hanging from the roof. People can swing by to say hell to the firefighters and drop off a donation in the boot.

He noted that so far, they’ve raised about $7,000 over the last few weeks and he hopes they can hit the $20,000 mark when all is said and done.

Skilling is joined on the roof by Brent Nunweiler, Alex McIntosh, Chris Ponce and Andy Houthuys.

“We got sleeping bags, a heater, we came prepared. We’re glad the weather’s a lot better than two weeks ago, so we’ll try to stay warm up there,” he said.

A GREAT CAUSE

Muscular Dystrophy Canada has roughly 9800 registered clients with neuro-muscular disorders across the country, according to the organization’s manager of firefighter relations Annelies Vanderlaan.

The organization covers over 160 different types of neuro-muscular disorders, which includes various types of progressive muscle weakness diseases and disorders.

“As far as us working with firefighters, that’s really gone back to the beginning of our history in 1954, so it’s coming up on 65 years that we’ve partnered and the (campout) started back in 2006,” she said.

Vanderlaan noted that over the years, firefighters raise 30 per cent of Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s total revenue, about $3.2 million annually.

“Without the firefighters, we as an organization wouldn’t be able to help the community and the individuals that we do. They’re a part of us in every sense of the word,” she said.

Firefighters will be camped out on the roof until Sunday, March 31.

Anyone looking to help can visit the crew members at Hudson’s Pub or donate online through the fundraising campaign’s website.

More details can be found through the Lethbridge Fire Fighters Charities Association’s Facebook page.