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Kelowna firefighters will be laying aside their hoses and pitching tents on the Kelowna Yacht Club rooftop as they fundraise for a Youth Recovery House in the Central Okanagan.
The inaugural Kelowna Firefighters Annual Rooftop Campout, supported by the Kelowna Yacht Club and the Kelowna Professional Firefighters Charitable Association (KPFCA), will bring awareness and funding to The Bridge Youth and Family Services Society in anticipation of the Youth Recovery House.
The Youth Recovery House will afford youth struggling with substance abuse one of 16 beds in their leading-edge rehabilitation program.
“I am really humbled by the support of the firefighters,” said Celine Thompson, Executive Director of The Bridge Youth and Family Services Society.
“As first responders to many of the overdoses in our community, they are dedicating their personal time and resources to raise awareness of a problem that tears at their hearts daily,” adding that the Central Okanagan does not have a residential treatment option for children and youth.
Beginning on Friday at 6 p.m., a crew of firefighters will be plopped onto the rooftop of the Kelowna Yacht Club to begin the weekend-long camping trip, finishing their campout on Sunday.
Donations can be made by boot - in that a boot will be reeled down to interested parties by the KPFCA from the roof of the Kelowna Yacht Club for their cash to be deposited.
Firefighters will also be on the ground answering questions and accepting charitable donations.
“While performing our jobs every day, we see the necessity to help this age group in our community so that they can receive the assistance they require," commented Steven Meyer, Kelowna Professional Firefighters.
Over the course of the weekend, the Kelowna Yacht Club and Stuart Park will be host to various activities: Diamond Fitness Boot Camp will start the festivities early at 9 a.m. Sunday, with the Valley First Community Crew Face Painting situated in the area from noon to 3 p.m.
The Kids Firefighter Challenge will conclude the weekend festivities with the noon to 6 p.m. activity before the roof-baked campers are lowered down at 7 p.m. - presumably hugging the pavement when they make it down.
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