Warm feeling of satisfaction

LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS BRAVE THE ELEMENTS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

Five frozen firefighters descended from the roof of Hudson’s Tap House on Sunday with warmth in their hearts. The men spent three nights in a Rooftop Campout to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Hosted by Lethbridge Fire Fighters Charities, it was the fourth year in a row for Jarret Fowler, who camped out with Colan Foster, Drew Clark, Mitch Fowler and Mitchell Dirk.

Some years the weather is warm enough to work on a suntan. This year, however, they faced freezing temperatures, a windchill pushing -25 C, and ample amounts of snow.

“The weather conditions weren’t the best this year, but we made the best of it,” said Fowler. “It’s a small sacrifice, three days on a roof, to help people with Muscular Dystrophy. We’re really proud of doing this every year.”

Since 1954, the International Association of Fire Fighters have raised more than $64 million for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

MD is the name of a group of neuromuscular disorders that progressively weaken the body’s muscles. Over time, people with neuromuscular disorders may lose the ability to walk, speak, and even breathe. In some cases, the disorder is fatal.

This year, the firefighters kept busy, and warm, by playing games, doing workouts, playing rooftop hockey, and building igloos, said Fowler.

“And just the camaraderie with the guys. That’s the biggest part ... having lots of laughs.”

The highlight of the campout was speaking with community members who stopped to make a donation.

“We appreciate all the support,” he said. About $7,000 was raised by noon on Sunday.

Donations can still be made online at muscle.ca/campout, by clicking on the Lethbridge Rooftop Campout page.

It’s a cause that is “near and dear to their hearts,” said Fowler, as they get to know the local families that are affected by MD.

“They are just the best people you’ll ever meet,” he said. “Those are the people we’re really doing this for because we want to help those people live the fullest life they can.”

Money raised will help purchase mobility equipment, provide support services, and fund research to find a cure for neuromuscular disorders.

Herald photo by Melissa Villeneuve Five Lethbridge firefighters spent three very cold nights on the roof of Hudson’s Tap House to raise awareness and funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. From left: Drew Clark, Colan Foster, Mitchell Dirk, Mitch Fowler, Jarret Fowler.