Firefighters in Medicine Hat raise more than $13K during rooftop campout for muscular dystrophy

“The weekend went very well,” Moser said.

“The last few years have been very consistent in terms of the money generated, and a lot of that comes from the groundwork that’s already been laid with organizing, media and marketing.”

This year’s fundraiser brought in $13,590.70, similar to last year’s total.

Moser said favourable weather helped boost morale for those camping on the roof, with mild conditions throughout most of the weekend.

“If you ask the campers, they got extremely lucky with the weather, probably the best we’ve had,” he said.

Firefighters Andrew Archer and Cole Schafer spent the weekend on the rooftop, while other members rotated through shifts collecting donations along Trans-Canada Way.

Moser said the event also saw strong support from local businesses and residents, including both planned and spontaneous donations.

“You see so many people that are just driving by, they see the sign, and they pull right in,” Moser said.

“That’s actually the most rewarding part, people who didn’t plan to stop but still want to support the cause.”

Local businesses contributed food and donations throughout the weekend, helping keep participants energized.

“We always joke that if you’re going to camp on the roof, you’re not going to starve,” Moser said.

The fundraiser is part of a long-standing partnership between firefighters and muscular dystrophy organizations, dating back decades, with the Medicine Hat Fire Department in support since 1971.

“It’s such a traditional aspect of the fire service,” Moser said.

“When it’s completed, and you see what you’ve raised, it’s nice to see that continuing.”

Funds raised support research, awareness efforts and programs for individuals and families affected by muscular dystrophy.

Moser said events like the rooftop campout also rely heavily on partnerships, including support from the Medicine Hat Tigers, who allow firefighters to collect donations during games.

“That’s probably a third of our funds from the whole weekend,” Moser said.

Looking ahead, Moser said the event has evolved over the years and now runs smoothly, with only minor adjustments expected in the future.

“I just want to thank the whole community, the businesses, the residents, [and] everybody that supported it,” Moser said.

“And our members as well, the ones on the roof and the ones giving up their time to be out collecting donations. It’s all of them that make this happen.”

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READ: Medicine Hat firefighters hold annual rooftop campout fundraiser for muscular dystrophy

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by Jett Schwaier

Firefighters in Medicine Hat raise more than $13K during rooftop campout for muscular dystrophy

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