By Justin Goulet (@JustinGoulet21)

Local firefighters to camp out on roof for muscular dystrophy

Feb 22, 2019 | 10:57 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – At the end of March, you will spot Lethbridge firefighters camping out on the roof of Hudsons Canada’s Pub.

They’re raising funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada as part of an annual charitable event, organized by the Lethbridge Fire Fighters Charities Association.

Riley Mclaren, a firefighter/paramedic with the local fire department, will be one of the rooftop campers. This will be his fourth time taking part in the fundraiser.

He said the campout is something done by fire departments across Alberta.

“I believe for Lethbridge Fire Department, our first one was six years ago, and we started off on the roof of Toys ‘R Us over by Scenic Drive,” he said.

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“I think it started with one of the big departments, like Calgary or Edmonton and then we kind of copy-catted it and it grew into a large thing. We’re (fire departments in Alberta) one of the biggest donors to Muscular Dystrophy Canada in Alberta.”

According to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, since 1954, firefighters have raised over $64 million.

Muscular dystrophy currently has no cure. The disease leads to the weakening and breakdown of skeletal muscles over time.

Anyone wishing to support the cause can donate online or visit the firefighters during the campout, which takes place March 28 to March 31.

“We’ll have a boot hanging from a rope up on the roof, and people put donations in there and we just pull it up. We’re going to have a pancake breakfast on the Saturday, and we’ll have barbecues out during the weekend,” Mclaren added.

“We’ll be there 24 hours a day. Even if it’s late at night, come holler at us and we’ll chat with you and let you know how you can help out.”

SPONSORSHIPS

Mclaren said in addition to donations from residents, local businesses can sponsor the fundraiser.

“Lots of guys that are helping out with this from the fire department are going out talking to different businesses, or people can just volunteer…we’d be so happy to get any help we can,” he said.

The fundraising goal for this year is $10,000.

“We’d be really happy if we can reach that, that’s what we’re shooting for and we’ll probably end up staying up there (the roof) until we meet it.”

Mclaren noted that the campaign is off to a good start, with donations already coming in.

“We do get a lot of that Hudsons foot traffic, that helps us out so we’re really thankful for that.”

About 20 to 30 people will be helping with the event, and five firefighters will be stationed on the roof, according to Mclaren.

“Even the guys on duty will come by and do what they can to help us get stuff on the roof if they’re not busy doing calls or training,” he said.

“This is fire department specific, but the other services like (Lethbridge) police and RCMP, they always come say hi and help us out and do whatever they can for our fundraisers as we like to do for theirs, but this isn’t a joint one like it was for the Humboldt hockey game (in 2018), this is fire department specific but they always do swing by and see what they can do to lend a hand.”

The rooftop campout is March 28th to March 31st at Hudsons Canada’s Pub.

Donations can be made in person or online via this link.

For more details on the event and sponsorship information, visit Lethbridge Fire Fighters Charities Association’s Facebook page.