Pipestone Flyer
This year’s Leduc Fire Services Campout on the roof is all about girl power.
On February 10, 2015, firefighters Tamara Osmak, Kathy Massey, Amber Gall and Mindy Smith will climb up on the roof of the fire hall to raise money and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy Canada and stay there until February 13.
“We’ve been talking about this for a couple of years,” said Cpt. Harry Krabbes. “It will be a different dynamic but they will suffer just as well as the guys.”
For the past five years, Leduc’s firefighters have camped on the roof for four days and three nights during what has been some of the coldest days of winter to raise money for research and treatment of Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic mutation that affects more than 50,000 Canadians and causes progressive muscle wasting, weakness, and loss of function. Common signs include poor balance with frequent falls, difficulty walking, limited range of movement, and drooping eyelids.
“The commitment demonstrated by our firefighters for this worthy campaign, whether on the roof or doing ground support, is outstanding and a point of pride for all of us with City of Leduc Fire Services,” said Fire Chief George Clancy.
To date, the annual Rooftop Campout campaign has raised more than $158,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. This year, the firefighters are hoping to raise $30,000.
Last year, the campaign raised $47,000 but with the economic downturn in the province, Krabbes said they don’t want to ask too much of the community.
“We’ve always set the goal for around $30,000 and been able to achieve that and we’re hoping to do the same this year. Last year was an exceptional year.”
While the women are living on the roof, their fellow firefighters will have boot drives set up outside the fire hall at 2-4119 50 Street, the Leduc Recreation Centre at 4330 Black Gold Drive and at Leduc Common on Discovery Way. Donations can also be made by phone during regular business hours by calling 780-980-8475 or online at http://muscle.ca/ai1ec_event/leduc-rooftop-campout-2015/
To see how the women are faring, a live streaming video will be available at http://www.leduc.ca/LiveVideo. A link to the video will be available on the City of Leduc’s homepage following the opening ceremonies, which take place at 9:45 a.m. February 10. Closing ceremonies are set for 1:45 p.m. February 13.
“Hosting this fundraising event would not be possible without the overwhelming support of this great city which assists in helping thousands of Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders,” said Clancy.
Pictured: Mindy Smith will brave the frigid cold, along with Kathy Massey, Amber Gall and Tamara Osmak, to raise funds and awareness of Muscular Dystrophy. Photo submitted.