Big White Fire Department camps out for a good cause

Image Credit: SUBMITTED

February 28, 2017 - 12:15 PM

BIG WHITE - From March 3 to March 5 the Big White Fire Department will host its Annual Roof Top Camp Out.

Now in its sixth year running, the firemen of the Big White Fire Hall will bravely camp out for three days and two nights on the roof of the Big White Kids Centre to raise money for a cause supporting youth in need.

Last year, the Big White Fire Department raised $8,000 for Powder Hounds Adaptive Snow Sports, a unique program offering skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing recreation opportunities for physically and sensory challenged individuals. This year their goal is to raise $10,000 with 100 per cent of the proceeds going towards the THRIVE Program, an empowerment program for Youth Burn Survivors provided by the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund.

“The THRIVE program aims to address the isolation and emotional aftermath that burn-injured children face. It gives them the tools to help foster growth, their careers, relationships, and self-image,” said Michael Cuzzupe, WEP 15 firefighter of the Big White Fire Department. “We’ve previously spent time with the kids, working with them, talking with them and trying to get them out of their shells, and we’re so happy to be able to support them with this fundraiser.”

A main tent will be set up just below the roof top camp out in the heart of the Village, with music playing along with fun games and obstacle courses for the kids. There will also be tours of the fire trucks, as well as an opportunity to dress up in the firefighter bunker gear and take photos with the trucks and tools.

There will be novelty Big White Fire Department (BWFD) t-shirts for sale as well as raffle tickets for a chance to win great Big White prizes. Visitors, guests, and members of the Big White community are all encouraged to come out, donate, and show their support for this great cause!

Michael J Ballingall, Senior Vice President at Big White Ski Resort, comments “it is with the greatest respect of those men and women that serve our communities we are proud to be part of this fundraiser and do what we can to support its success.”

Donations can be made online for the Big White Fire Department’s 6th Annual Roof Top Camp Out.

Click here to donate.