It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a … hero?
Redwood Meadows Firefighters’ Association will be hosting its annual Heroes in the Sky two-day fundraising festival this weekend.
“It is an opportunity to help support us in our efforts to keep firefighters healthy and well but also a chance to come out and enjoy a great weekend,” said Gary Robertson, president of the Redwood Meadows Firefighters’ Association.
Members of the association will spend 30 hours on the rooftop of Bragg Creek Foods to raise funds for volunteer wellness. Robertson said there are approximately 40 members who benefit or at least have access to the programs offered through the funds raised.
“The event is our big fundraiser for health and wellness and it is an important part for keeping our volunteer firefighters healthy,” Robertson said.
Last year, the fundraiser helped support a number of programs including bi-weekly fitness sessions, yoga sessions, a mental health session with Alberta Health staff discussing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, it also helped fund the purchase of new fitness equipment.
“We saw a lot of success with our fitness classes and we have a couple of members who have lost over 30 pounds in the last year – we think the whole approach churned out some pretty good results,” Robertson said.
The fundraiser kicks off on Saturday morning with a barbecue and live music. At noon, firefighters climb to the roof of Bragg Creek Foods where they will camp out for the following 30 hours. On the ground there will be a variety of activities, including face painting, fire extinguisher training, live music, beer gardens and barbecue throughout the day until midnight.
On Sunday morning, the festivities begin with a 9 a.m. “sunrise” yoga session to be followed at 10 a.m. with a pancake breakfast and then live music and barbecue.
The Rural Man Van from the Prostate Cancer Centre will also be on hand Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. During the clinic, van staff can test 90 people via blood tests, so men of the community are invited to receive a free test.
Heroes in the Sky takes place on Sept. 10 and 11 at the Bragg Creek shopping centre, located off of Balsam Avenue.
For more information go to the official Facebook page at “Redwood Meadows Firefighters' Association.”
