A group of local firefighters are getting set to beat the heat by taking to a frosty roof again.
The seven firefighters are packing their long johns for the third time as they prepare for their three-day campout on the roof at Fire Station No. 2 in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. The Rooftop Campout, as it's known, has become a staple fixture on the St. Albert charity scene for a little while but it's a part of a much larger continent-wide effort.
Greg Harvey is one of the organizers.
"I might throw an extra sleeping bag into the mix," he remarked during Tuesday's cold snap. Looking ahead in the weather forecast, however, and he sees a much warmer spell of weather than his first time up on the roof in 2010 when there was a brutal bout of -40 C temperatures.
"That was about as cold as it can get. It was an awful week," he said.
What warms his heart even more is how supportive the city has been to the cause. Last year's goal was $15,000 but St. Albertans donated more than $42,000, bringing the local team in close competition with their Edmonton counterparts who relied on big business donations to come in first and snag the bragging rights.
"As far as the region, we did very well. (Edmonton) had a lot of corporate support and we just stand on the side of the road."
This year's goal is $20,000. The primary focus of the campaign will take place for a few days starting next Tuesday morning. Commuters on Boudreau Road who pass by the fire hall will be greeted by firefighters asking that donations be placed in a firefighter's boot.
Before that, a small group will pass the collection boot around at the Inglewood Safeway on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A silent auction also started online Friday at www.stalbertfirefighters.com. That runs until Thursday, Feb. 28.
Last week, firefighters also served customers at East Side Mario's, another staple of their fundraising campaign. While their tips haven't yet been announced, Harvey already considers that evening a success.
"It was very busy and there were no problems. We didn't spill wine on anybody this year," he laughed.
The public can also keep up with the St. Albert Firefighters Rooftop Campaign on Twitter by following '@saffu2130'.
Pet store helps in ‘ruff' times
February is all about Valentine's Day and one local pet food store is hoping their customers will show their love to all animals, especially to homeless dogs and cats.
Global Pet Foods is supporting its seventh annual Show Us Your Heart fundraiser. For two weeks starting Saturday, store patrons will be encouraged to make donations to the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society, also known as SCARS.
Tammy Landry, manager of the Hebert Road location, thinks it's an amazing organization and she's happy to encourage others to support it as much as she can. She says she's not alone.
"People here, especially pet people, they open up their wallets, especially to the animals in the rescue societies," she said. "They're non-profit and they're all volunteer workers. They're just helping to find good homes for the rescue pets."
SCARS' operates a no-kill rescue operation and primarily takes in animals that are slated for euthanasia at municipal pounds, its website says. It works with communities to promote responsible animal care, spaying and neutering programs, as well as micro-chipping.
"They take care of all of those pets. They take the money out of their own purses. That's big heart to me. I love that they do that so I really push Show Us Your Heart here."
Every $1 that is donated will be matched by Hill's Science Diet and Global Pet Foods. For $5, you can buy a paper heart and those two companies will also donate $1 and give you 10 Air Miles. Texting 'HEART' to 20222 will donate $5 to local animal shelters.
For more information, call the store at 780-458-7775 or visit www.globalpetfoods.com.
