24 August 2011

Firefighters challenge the ‘chill factor’ at Coronet Peak

Firefighters from Queenstown, Frankton, Wanaka and Auckland are taking on the ‘chill factor’ at Queenstown’s Coronet Peak this Friday (August 26) with a unique charity fundraiser.

The four firefighting teams will be competing in the Firefighter Chill Factor Challenge to complete the most number of sponsored runs down the main M1 Trail between 8am and 10am.

The ‘challenge’ factor comes in with the fact that each four-member team has to hold onto a fire hose on the way down.

“It should be absolutely hilarious to watch as all four members of each team ski or board down the mountain, turning this way or that and trying to keep at relatively the same speed without being able to let go of the hose,” said organiser Tony Scott.

“We’re trying to raise as much money as we can for Queenstown charity the Bruce Grant Youth Trust and each descent is sponsored, so it’s a combination of trying to go as fast as possible without completely losing the plot and ending up in a big heap on the snow.”

Members of the public are invited to the Peak to watch the event and cheer the teams on.

The event was originally scheduled to take place during the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival but was postponed until now.

Auckland-based firefighter Tony Scott said he was inspired to create the event when he saw a similar event on the snow overseas.

“I thought it was a fantastic idea, and it’s also our way to say ‘thanks’ to the Southern brigades who support our fundraising Sky Tower event every year. We wanted to find a way to come down and support the boys here.

“I love the work that the Bruce Grant Youth Trust does for young people down here so we thought that was a great charity to support. Our Auckland team has already raised $750 for this even before we get down here.

“I’d like to see the event become an annual one with up to eight teams competing and raising anything from $10,000 to $15,000.”

Money raised from the event will be presented to the Bruce Grant Trust at the Queenstown Fire Station at 6.30pm on Friday night.

ENDS

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