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Camp out builds camaraderie for Williams Lake Fire Department

Firefighters will stay on the roof of Canadian Tire for two days and two nights to raise funds
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Dereck Sulentich, with the Williams Lake Fire Department, will be taking part in a roof top campout to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Sulentich is also the regional advisor for the Cariboo for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. (Ruth Lloyd photo - Williams Lake Tribune)

Williams Lake firefighters will once again camp out at Canadian Tire to raise funds in support of muscular dystrophy.

On Feb. 23, firefighters will take to the rooftop of the store for the two night campout meant to give participants a taste of discomfort through cold nights and days.

“It sort of gives us an idea of what people with neuromuscular disorders go through,” explained Dereck Sulentich, a firefighter with the Williams Lake Fire Department (WLFD) and also the regional advisor for the Cariboo for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

The campout is a chance to raise money and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, the chosen charity of firefighters in Canada.

It is also an opportunity for the firefighters to grow camaraderie among the crew of about 15 firefighters planning to take part.

Fifty per cent of the WLFD has less than five years of experience in the department, said Sulentich, so a chance to spend time together building their team is great. The firefighters will spend their time playing games, watching television and movies.

The camp out fundraiser for WLFD started in 2019, then took place again in 2022, so this will be the third year.

Those wishing to donate towards the fundraiser can stop at Canadian Tire and drop off cash or cheques. Last time the camp out took place, WLFD raised around $15,000.

The top three contributors to the event will be given a plaque in recognition of their contributions and all sponsors will be put on the WLFD thank you banner.

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Ruth Lloyd

About the Author: Ruth Lloyd

After moving back to Williams Lake, where I was born and graduated from school, I joined the amazing team at the Williams Lake Tribune in 2021.
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