Two firefighters from Ponoka County West District Fire Department braved the elements and celebrated Canada Day on top of a roof to raise funds for a worthy cause.
Garreth Jones and Pieter Broere raised around $5,000 with their rooftop camping experience June 30 and July 1, surpassing their goal of $3,000.
The money is to go to a new portable X-ray unit for the Rimbey Hospital.
Jones said the camp-out went well.
“The weather wasn’t the best,” he said. “It rained pretty good, but we had our tent tied down, although it did collapse due to the high winds.”
The firefighters camped out on the roof of the ATB, while other members stayed on the ground taking donations and talking about the need for an X-ray machine.
“A lot of people came out. We had lots of donations,” said Jones.
While he is pleased with the generosity of the public, he noted that a portable X-ray machine costs $80,000 and the hospital also needs more lifts to help transfer patients. He encourages anyone who wishes to donate for more equipment to contact the hospital.