Penticton

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Firefighters prepare for shifts on the roof

As storm clouds rolled in Thursday, several Penticton firefighters climbed a ladder to the top of the Safeway building.

There was no blaze to battle once they got there. This effort was for a cause, a rooftop campout to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

“This is supporting something great and amazing and if this doesn’t make you feel good as a firefighter, nothing does,” said Kevin Zazzara, who planned to brave the elements on a night shift.

The campout is slated to last through Saturday at noon. During that time those involved will camp on the roof of the Penticton Safeway in shifts,  eating and sleeping on the roof as donations are taken below at the register and online.

The day kicked off with a short ceremony featuring a bagpiper and attended by local dignitaries, sponsors and families there to support the Penticton Fire Department.

Mayor Dan Ashton and Fire Chief Wayne Williams thanked the men for their effort, while Jeannine Spurgeon, the fundraising coordinator for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, stressed the importance of what they were doing.

Since firefighters first partnered with Muscular Dystrophy Canada in 1954, they have raised $64 million across Canada. In 2012, they raised $571,000 in BC alone that went toward $630,000 used on programs and equipment in the province, she said.

“This is an amazing event to raise awareness and firefighters have been our strongest supporters,” she said.

Ryan Bazley, the firefighter who organized the campout, took the first shift in pouring rain, along with Graham Gowe and Brent Ryll.

“I am relieved this came together,” he said. “I had a lot of help because we firefighters all stand together.”

To stay busy on their long shifts in the rooftop tent, they have many activities planned.

There will be a yoga session, a visit from a fitness trainer and plenty of poker.

Scotiabank will be on hand to serve up hot dogs from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday and on Friday.

Jamie-Lee Morgan, who showed up with her  son Nathaniel Morgan, 8, who has duchenne muscular dystrophy, praised the entire effort.

“I think this is awesome and it will definitely make a big difference,” she said.