UPDATE:
Westman Zone is happy to share this message from Kyle Jones coordinator of the 2025 Rooftop Campout:
I just wanted to share that our final tally for the fundraiser this year was $46,590.14! Way more than we could have hoped for.
Thanks for helping us get the word out!
We really appreciate it!
All the best!
-Kyle
Article by Frank McGwire - March 4, 2025
Tri-Charity Rooftop Campout Runs March 4th to 7th
For the next four days and three nights, four firefighters have volunteered to brave the chilly elements and camp out on the rooftop of the #2 firehall on 13th Street in Brandon. Fundraising efforts have evolved since the first few rooftop campouts. Back then, money was collected from kind and generous folks visiting the fire hall and placing their donations in the firefighter’s boot, which was then pulled up to the rooftop. During the last few boot drive fundraisers, the firefighters camping out on the rooftop have been helped out by some of their co-workers who collect donations on 13th Street and other intersections near the firehall in the Wheat City.
The first Rooftop Campout fundraiser took place in Brandon in 2011. The 2025 edition is the 10th time it’s taken place. There were a few years during the COVID pandemic when things were put on hold. Event coordinator, Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Martin estimates the total monies raised since the first rooftop campout is in the $500,000 range and this year, they hope to hit their goal, “We fell just short of last year’s soft goal of $40,000 but managed to collect $38,236.96. This year, we hope to hit or exceed the goal of $40,000.” Those who donate will be happy to know their money stays local, “As this is a tri-charity campout, donations go to Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy and the Brandon Firefighter Charity Fund. But most importantly, all the funds stay local and go to help those in need from our community,” said Martin.
Year in and year out it’s a noble group effort from all BFES staff but Martin says the firefighters who wind up on the rooftop are usually there by choice, “For the most part, everyone takes a turn camping throughout their career, but we always have a lineup of members wanting to go up!” As with all fundraisers of this scope there are sponsors to thank, “We have a tent that Elite Safety Services has graciously allowed us the use of. We have a heater in the tent and 4 military cots,” Martin said.
To help with fundraising efforts, BFES has made it possible for kind, generous folks who are able to donate funds electronically, “People can donate in person at #2 firehall or they can e-transfer to treasurer803@gmail.com. I would love to thank all of our sponsors, businesses and people from the community that support us in so many ways. It's truly uplifting to see an entire community come together for such a great cause!” said Martin.
The event wraps up with a Bud, spud, and chicken fundraiser social at the Backyard on Aberdeen this Friday, March 7th, at 6 p.m. It's open to the general public, but tickets are limited.
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