PORT HURON, Mich. - De La Salle Collegiate alumnus Matt Markham is camping out this week … on the roof of a building.

Markham, who graduated from De La Salle in 2012, is a disc jockey at Port Huron’s WSAQ 107.1 FM. He’s taking the unusual approach to camping as part of the country music station’s 26th annual Community Roof Sit fundraiser to support the Child Abuse and Neglect Council of St. Clair County. 

Markham has been camping out on the rooftop since last Sunday morning and will remain atop the two-story building until 6 p.m. this Friday. He’s broadcasting daily from 6-6. He’s been communicating via laptop with fundraising volunteers and giving shoutouts to donors throughout the day. 

Last year’s event raised $138,000, and Markham is aiming to hit an even higher total this year. 

“With COVID-19, a lot of kids are at home, and not in school, and could be in an abusive situation,” he said. “It shouldn’t hurt to be a child.” 

Local businesses have sent food to Markham’s downtown rooftop location at 808 Huron Avenue. He keeps a cooler nearby and uses a portable restroom. In 2018, his first year on the roof, he used a hose for washing. Now he has the luxury of an outdoor shower that the building’s manager installed. 

“It can get cold up here in Port Huron,” Markham said. “We’re at the mouth of the St. Clair River and Lake Huron, so it’s usually 10 degrees colder up here than in Detroit.”

Interested donors can call 810-966-9911, or donate via the radio station’s website.

Markham, who attended the Specs Howard School of Broadcasting in Southfield, job a job in Port Huron after graduation. He’s worked at WSAQ and its sister station WBTI 96.9 FM. 

On Halloween this year, he will mark his sixth anniversary of handling the 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekday time slot. 

Mrkham attended St. Angela Grade School, until it closed, and then finished eighth grade at St. Isaac Jogues, before attending De La Salle. He was a member of the De La Salle swim team.