With more than a few huffs and puffs, firefighters of the Bow Valley took on the Bow tower in support of cancer charity Wellspring Calgary on Sunday (May 7).
The tower rises over 55 stories, with more than 1,200 stairs, and 500 firefighters in full kit from across Alberta challenged themselves and their fellow first responders to the best time up the tower, as well as best team and individual fundraising.
Their efforts raised $333,000 for Wellspring, a charity that provides services for those afflicted by cancer.
“It was very emotional seeing first hand the people and the organization helped by the funds raised here,” said Lake Louise volunteer firefighter Jason Connell.
Connell himself was recognized for his top fundraising efforts and received the top individual fundraiser award for the second year in a row after raising $7,728.
His department was recognized as one of the top fundraising teams for their nearly $9,500 donation made to Wellspring.
“Let’s face it, cancer is something that affects every single one of us, so there isn’t a whole lot of people who say ‘no’ when you ask them to donate,” said Connell.
Members of the Lake Louise department trained for months in advance of the stair climb, taking advantage of the 11-story stairwell at Chateau Lake Louise.
“There is always room for improvement,” said Zoe Saunders. “We can always go a little bit faster.”
Saunders holds the hall’s training record of consecutively turning over a 220-pound heavy machinery tire – 130 times.
Lake Louise volunteer firefighter Kevin Buchannan’s climb was personal, after losing his mother to cancer in 2010.
“I unfortunately, being out west, missed the Hike for Hospice Peterborough that my family has taken part in since its inception,” said Buchannan. “I miss the part with my family, but I still get to do another type of hike to help raise awareness.”
Chris Burnham from the Banff Fire Department was the top Bow Valley competitor, placing sixth in the M3650 division, and 15th overall of 502 stair climb competitors.
For full results see www.startlinetiming.com/en/races/2017/stair.
