Firefighters attend the kickoff event for the Firefighters Campout for Muscular Dystrophy at The Place in Lethbridge, September 8, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge firefighters hosting rooftop campout for muscular dystrophy

Sep 8, 2022 | 11:58 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A group of five firefighters will spend the next four days on a rooftop for a charitable fundraiser.

A kickoff event for the 2022 Firefighters Campout for Muscular Dystrophy was held outside of The Place Bar and Arcade on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

Firefighter/Paramedic with Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services Alex McIntosh helped to organize the event. He says the ultimate goal is to find a cure, but until then, the money raised will support those living with muscular dystrophy.

“This is a genetic disease that, you know, some people have it when they’re very young, they have short lifespans, like it can be very serious,” says McIntosh. “Some people have to suffer with chronic pain with muscle loss through their whole life and they’re dealing with symptoms based off that. Some people don’t even notice until they’re in their late years or they have offspring and the next generation is having symptoms.”

Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen spoke at the kickoff event, saying he tips his hat off to those who are taking part.

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“What you’re doing here will help to one day help fund this cure for M.D., so a huge thanks to your efforts and your generosity, even if it seems insignificant, we can find a cure for this so it’s extremely important you’re all here helping with this important cause,” says Hyggen.

The firefighters were lifted onto the roof of The Place just before noon on Thursday and will come down on Sunday.

McIntosh says the group came prepared with plenty of games to keep themselves entertained over their four-day campout.

Thankfully, he adds, firefighters always have to be ready to brave any type of weather, so they planned for if the daily highs were going to stay in the 30s like we saw earlier in the week or the cooler precipitation we are now seeing on Thursday.

A weekend of activities and fundraising events are planned over the next few days with all proceeds going to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

On Friday, September 9, there will be a BBQ outside of The Place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be followed by a concert featuring The Chevelles at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday’s agenda includes a family day at The Place’s arcade from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and a comedy night starting at 5:00 p.m.

The Lethbridge Fire Fighters Charities Association is also holding a raffle with a grand prize of a seven-night stay in Maui, Hawaii, and a $1,000 travel voucher.

More than 600 fire departments and associations across Canada take part in fundraising events for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, annually raising more than $3 million.

The goal of the local group is to raise at least $20,000, topping their 2019 total of approximately $17,000.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now