Rooftop Campout to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy

Camping out on the weekend is a common summertime activity for those who love the great outdoors.

Add rooftop to the phrase camp out, throw in the date - March 9 to 11 - and it becomes a whole other thing.

Five brave Prince George firefighters will camp out in a tent on the roof of Canadian Tire to raise funds and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. This fundraiser is in addition to the annual firefighters' Boot Drive.

The goal is to raise $20,000 during the 48-hour endurance test where the volunteers will not come off the roof at all.

"The firefighters are amazing for all their dedication and support," said Susan Andrist, member and former president of the Northern B.C. chapter of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. "I am honoured to have them at my side. It takes a special person to be a firefighter. Not only are they saving lives everyday, but the compassion and support they give to all our members is so important."

Ian Provan, firefighter and Muscular Dystrophy Canada advisory group B.C. campaign chair, has ground-crew duty during the rooftop, camp-out fundraiser, while Mike Stachoski, Shane Lapierre, Jeremy Kostyshyn, Clayton Sheen and Wayne Weis take on the weather, a Port-a-Potty and Friday's belly dance class during the weekend challenge.

Meals will be provided by local restaurants that have volunteered to help with the fundraiser.

Video will be set up and fed to a computer monitor on the ground so passersby can watch the team of firefighters as they endure whatever the days - and nights - will bring.

"This event is new to Prince George, but it's not new to firefighters in Canada," said Provan. Edmonton, Winnipeg, Nelson and Fort McMurray fire departments are among those who have successfully participated in the fundraising effort.

"We've got firefighters that remember fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy since 1964 with our annual boot drive and as our president," Harold Schaitberger said. "This is a good fight for us and we will not stop until we've won this fight. We will not turn away." said Provan.

To donate to the fundraiser or see what the firefighters are up to, visit the Facebook page Prince George Fire Fighters Rooftop for MD Fundraiser.