Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge

Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge

Firefighters across the country have adopted some unique fundraising initiatives in their quest to raise $850,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand’s (LBC’s) Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge.

The Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge will be held on May 28 with 850 firefighters ascending the 1,103 steps of Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower wearing full firefighting kits and breathing apparatus weighing up to 25kg. Firefighters are travelling from as far afield as the USA, Australia, Germany and Chile to participate in the event.

With the fundraising total already nearly $350,000 and rapidly climbing, the race is on to not only to be the fastest to the top of the Sky Tower but also to be the top fundraising brigade.

Since registrations sold-out within an hour in November, over 211 brigades have spent their weekends and spare time fundraising to raise vitally-needed funds for LBC.

Fundraising schemes such as wood chopping, scrap metal collection, ‘touch a truck’ days and quiz nights have seen brigades rallying their local towns and communities for support and donations. Many of the brigades involved have seen first-hand how the money raised helps support those living with a blood cancer or related condition and are dedicating their climbs to patients from their hometowns.

With just six weeks to go, each team are looking to exceed their fundraising targets and have adopted gruelling training schedules to try and reach their own race time targets.

Pru Etcheverry, CEO of Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand says every year it’s astounding to see the amount of time the firefighters dedicate to raise funds for the event.

“We are thrilled to see so many of the same brigades back again in the event and also to see so many new communities taking up the challenge. We are so very grateful for the huge commitment the brigades put in to raising funds for LBC,” says Ms Etcheverry.

The event is sponsored by SKYCITY, Auckland Airport and Tait Communications.

Rob Hamilton, SKYCITY Entertainment Group Chief Financial Officer, says the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge is always a highlight, particularly this year.

“We’re so proud to work alongside Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand and support such a successful fundraising event. Since the first Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge 12 years ago, the event has raised close to $3.5 million.”

“This year I’m honoured to be one of three members of SKYCITY’s senior management team who have been selected for Squad 20. We are very excited to climb in this year’s event and personally help Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand in reaching this year’s fundraising target,” says Mr Hamilton.

To find out how to support your local brigade visit www.firefightersclimb.org.nz

ENDS

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