It may not have been the ideal weekend for camping, but the rain and cold didn't dampen the spirits of the local firefighters who spend two days on a Canadian Tire roof.
Six Prince George Fire Rescue members participated in the second annual Rooftop Campout to raise money and awareness for muscular dystrophy.
Shane Lapierre, Wayne Weis, Clay Sheen, Mike Stachoski and Jeremy Kostyshyn spent their 48 hours on the College Heights roof while organizer Ian Provan managed things on the ground.
"We had done this last year a month earlier but we had beautiful weather last March 9th and 10th," said Provan, noting there was a fear that a bout of nice weather in April would lead to less donations. "But we ended up getting quite a bit of snow and it was cold... The mood was good. It's a great bunch of guys and it's their second time doing it and they get along so well - the cold was the least of their worries."
Muscular dystrophy is the catch-all name for a group of neuromuscular disorders characterized by progressive weakness and wasting of the voluntary muscles that control body movement. Firefighters have been connected to the cause since the mid 1950s and have since raised more than $60 million for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
As a firefighter, Provan has been raising money for the organization for the past 10 years. "I absolutely love it," he said. "It's just a great organization."
Shortly after the group came back down to earth Sunday afternoon, Provan estimated that around $12,000 was raised to that point.
"I'm always blown away every years by how much Prince George continues to give," he said. In addition to monetary donations, a variety of partners and sponsors signed on to provide food for the campers and fundraising barbecues, equipment and entertainment.
There were more guests dropping by to wish the group well and hand off donations this year.
Mayor Shari Green and Premier Christy Clark joined Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond for the campout's opening ceremonies on Friday morning. The firefighters were also visited by Muscular Dystrophy Canada CEO Catherine Sherrard and Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad and Prince George Canadian Tire owner Selen Alpay.
The rooftop campsite was fairly well appointed, with a wall tent with five cots, heaters, lighting as well as a Port-a-potty set up on a plywood floor covering the tar and gravel surface.
The wooden surface turned out be a great dance floor for the firefighters who got belly dance lessons on Friday afternoon, said Provan.
The men were led in the art by Sandra Tanemura from Zahirah Middle Eastern Belly Dance school. "She brought a lot of props and the guys were willing to give it a try," Provan said. A yoga lesson scheduled for Saturday had to be cancelled due to the rain, but there were plenty of board games to help break up their day.
It also wouldn't be a firefighter gathering without time devoted to sharing war stories, added Provan.
