The sixth annual Fort McMurray Fire Department 100-hour rooftop camp out is returning to the community from April 18-22.
The event was cancelled last year as the community went through troubling times with the wildfire and evacuation.
“For me reliving this annual event is a symbol that the community is getting back on it’s feet,” said Fire Chief, Jody Butz.
This is one of the Friends of the Fort McMurray Fire Departments most prestigious fundraising events with five firefighters camping out on the rooftop of the Eagle Ridge Tim Hortons where they will sleep, eat, raise funds and brave the elements for 100 straight hours.
All of the proceeds will stay within the community and go towards five local charities:
- Fort McMurray Boys and Girls Club
- Wood Buffalo Food Bank
- Fort McMurray SPCA
- Centre of Hope
- and Waypoints (Fort McMurray Family Crisis Society)
Their goal is to raise $40,000 this year, bringing the grand total raised by the event to a quarter of a million dollars.
The event kicked off on Tuesday, April 18 at 11:00 a.m. where Pet Valu donated $2,500 and The Boomtown Casino donated $3,000 before the firefighters even got onto the roof.
Throughout the camp out there will be a variety of family friendly and nightly events held at East Village Pub and Eatery, 101-395 Loutit Rd.
On Saturday, April 22 there will be a pancake breakfast from 9:00 a.m. till noon where residents can make a donation, get some breakfast and enjoy live entertainment followed by a closing ceremony later that evening at 8:00 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to visit the firefighters throughout the four-day campout to enter daily raffles, participate in events and make a donation in the boot.
For more information and donation opportunities, contact Scott Germain at 780-881-3137.
