OLDS – All 13 Olds firefighters who participated in the 10th annual Firefighter Stair Climb Challenge in Calgary on June 9 reached the top.
They raised a little more than $8,500, which put them in 10th place among 81 participating teams.
Last year, the Olds Fire Department won the top fundraising award in both the individual and team category, raising $10,370 and $16,340 respectively.
Under the Stair Climb Challenge, firefighters from across Alberta, Canada and around the world are challenged to climb all 1,370 stairs (57 storeys) of Brookfield Place, Calgary’s tallest tower, in modified firefighter gear.
Money raised goes to Wellspring Alberta, an organization that helps people battling cancer.
According to a federal government website, firefighters have a nine per cent higher risk of getting a cancer diagnosis than the general public does, and a 14 per cent higher risk of dying from cancer, due to the dangerous chemicals released during some fires.
Collectively, the nearly 500 participating firefighters who participated raised than $330,000 for Wellspring Alberta, surpassing the $300,000 goal.
One Olds firefighter – Nikolaus Nieder – raced up all 1,370 stairs heights in just 13 minutes and 22 seconds, marking the seventh fastest time.
Although this year’s Olds fundraising total was down from last year’s figure, captain Ben Opheim says it’s still in line with donations that might be expected.
“I think this kind of the ebbs and flows of donations,” he said during an interview. “I think that's a pretty average number.”
“It's with great pride that I share the achievement that all of the members completed this challenge,” Opheim wrote in an email.
“This event, while incredibly demanding, was equally rewarding and enjoyable.
“The smiles that graced the faces of our team upon reaching the top floor were a testament to the joy and unity this challenge fosters.
“It's heartening to see many of us already pledging to return next year, eager to build on this year's success and welcome new members to join us in this uplifting journey.”
Opheim agreed that Nieder’s accomplishment might be a goal for Olds firefighters to try and beat next year.
“I think it's inspiring to see to see that kind of effort put out,” he said. “It gives us a something to work towards.”
The team is very thankful to all who donated toward the cause, Opheim said.
