Penticton

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

A rooftop campout that saw seven Penticton firefighters take shifts on top of the Safeway building raised $16,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

The firefighters – who ate and slept on the roof as donations were taken below – hoped to raise $10,000, but that mark was exceeded with the assistance of donors and sponsors.

Employees of Scotiabank held a barbecue that raised $2,500 and that total was matched by the corporate office.

“We are so grateful to the community for its support. The generosity by residents and businesses was incredible; it really showed Penticton’s heart,” said campout organizer Ryan Bazley.

“Without their help, we wouldn’t have been able to surpass our goal.”

Proceeds from the campout will go to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, an organization with the mission to improve the quality of life for people living with neuromuscular disorders.

That also meant the firefighters weren’t allowed to rest either; they took part in activities like yoga and belly dancing to “make muscles move”.