Firefighters braving freezing temperatures to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada

It's day two of three for firefighters staying outside in the bitter cold to raise money and awareness for muscular dystrophy. Matt Woodman reports.

Temperatures took a turn for the worse this week, but that didn’t stop Edmonton firefighters from getting outside to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

This is the 71st year of the annual Fill the Boot campaign, which includes the rooftop campout that is done in the cold so participants can feel a small part of the symptoms of muscular dystrophy, including stiffening joints, and loss of dexterity.

“We’re very grateful for our physical ability, especially with our jobs being very physically demanding, and realizing that not everybody has that luxury,” said Michael Denoncourt, one of the participants.

“If we can come up here and raise money and just be aware that your physical activity and movement is important for everybody, and if we can help out with that cause, we’re more than (happy) to.”

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Five firefighters climbed onto the roof of Fire Station 2 in downtown Edmonton Wednesday.

Normally, they’d be set up with a tent, camping equipment and other means to stay warm and comfortable, but this year, they had to earn it.

As the campaign raises money, the participants will unlock more comforts, like coffee at $1,000 and sleeping bags and cots at $10,000.

Last night, the campaign hit the $50,000 milestone, which unlocked a tent for the firefighters to sleep in.

“Morale is high, even though the temperatures are low, and we’re having a lot of fun up here,” Denoncourt said

“We really appreciate when people stop by and they visit us, the company is really nice, and it’s a great way to make donations as well.”

The participants were also gifted with survival kits from a member of the local muscular dystrophy community, Piper, which contained treats and games to keep them entertained.

The group is also making and posting videos online while on the roof, trying to stay warm and give viewers a laugh.

This is the second year AJ Moretti has participated in the campout and says this year has been more challenging so far.

“Last year, doing things with your hands out in the open wasn’t that bad. During the day, it was about 5 C on a day like today,” he said. “(This year) gloves come off and that skin gets exposed to the air, it freezes up right away … the mustache gets iced up.

“Last year was almost too easy.”

Canadian firefighters have been raising awareness and money to support people with muscular dystrophy since 1954, according to Edmonton Firefighters For Muscular Dystrophy. The Edmonton rooftop campout began in the 2000s.

Since then, the group has raised more than $2.4 million.

The goal this year is to raise $71,000 to celebrate 71 years of partnership. Donations can be made online.

“Thank you to everyone in the city of Edmonton who’s donated,” Denoncourt said. “Thank you to everybody who came and visited us, we couldn’t have done it without them.”

This year’s campout will end on Friday at 5 p.m.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Matt Woodman