Thousands climb sky-high for Earth Day

To celebrate Earth Day, more than 6,000 people climbed the 1,776 stairs up the world’s tallest building at the Canada Life CN Tower Climb for WWF-Canada and helped raise more than $1,100,000 to help fight global warming – far surpassing our goal of $900,000. The two-day event consisted of a Team Challenge on Thursday, April 26 and a Public Climb on Saturday, April 28.

“It’s great to see the public show their support and dedication to WWF-Canada and the environment,” said Mike Russill, President and CEO of WWF-Canada. “Global warming is a top concern for Canadians and today’s event shows that people are alarmed and want to help make a difference.”

The Public Climb was a huge success with more than 4,800 people tackling the tower. The line-up to register began at 5 a.m. and didn’t end until registration closed at 10 a.m. People from all over the GTA, and of all ages, participated to test their stamina and to take action for a living planet. Liona Davies, 25, who has volunteered at the Climb for the past two years said, “I love helping out at the event because I think WWF-Canada does great work and it’s really fun. I have climbed before but I prefer volunteering because I get to meet so many excited people getting ready to climb, as well as lots of people who share a passion for helping our planet.”

The Team Climb on Thursday April 26 was also a big success. More than 400 teams of 4 entered—blowing the previous team record of 333 teams out of the water. Team Call Genie won the prize for top fundraising team by raising $7,127 and the Step Masters, Optimistics and the Canada Life High Achievers, proved their speed by being the fastest male, female and co-ed teams to the top and winning some great prizes.

Everyone who participated received a free t-shirt indicating their climb time on the back and those who met fundraising targets also won great prizes.

“The Canada Life CN Tower Stair Climb for WWF-Canada is one of the most unique fundraising events in the world and the support demonstrated by thousands of participants each year is incredible,” said Jack Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of the CN Tower. “We are proud to have supported WWF-Canada over the last 17 years and are thrilled to see people excited about participating and contributing to this very worthwhile cause.”

As a long-time sponsor of the event, Canada Life applauds the record numbers of Canadians supporting WWF-Canada through the Canada Life CN Tower Climb. Participants in this year’s event included a strong contingent from Canada Life’s London and Toronto offices. “We now have nearly 100 staff and their guests taking part in the Climb and collecting pledges. We’re pleased to support their fundraising efforts – and the event itself – through the Key to Giving™, our national program for corporate citizenship,” said Jan Belanger, Assistant Vice-President, Community Affairs for Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life.