Firefighters in Sherwood Park had their ladders out yesterday, but instead of putting out fires, the crew from Firehouse Number 1 was fighting a much bigger battle.
“We are doing this to bring awareness to a charity of choice to firefighters in Canada, Muscular Dystrophy Canada,” said Lt. Michael Nicholson. “It’s a disease that can hit anyone at any time, any age, gender, or socio-economic situation.”
Flanked by volunteers, council members and parents of children afflicted with muscular dystrophy, firefighters ascended to the roof for the first day of many to raise money for the cause.
“It should be fun,” said Paige Harding, a rooftop volunteer. “The guys think I’m crazy for being up here with them for four days but I brought extra blankets.”
Harding has been working with Strathcona Emergency Services for over a year. She and three others are the first firefighters that will spend three nights and four days camped out on the roof.
Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that weakens the body’s muscles, leading to eventual muscle death. Firefighters have been supporting the cause to find a cure for muscular dystrophy since 1982.
Sherwood Park will have some competition from Edmonton firehouses during the rooftop showdown. They’re hoping to raise $50,000 and despite weather forecasts for snow, Number 1’s firefighters say they are well prepared and ready for the challenge.
