Members of Okotoks' emergency services crews conquered 1,204 steps Thursday morning, all in the name of a worthy initiative.
Ryan Kaiser with Okotoks Fire and Rescue, Capt. Ian McLeod with Okotoks Fire and Canadian Natural Emergency Services and Const. Bethany Simpson with the Okotoks RCMP suited up to climb the stairs on the hillside at Clark Avenue and Elma Street to raise money for Wellspring Calgary.
"It's for a great cause," said Kaiser. "It goes towards Wellspring Calgary which helps families and individuals that are going through cancer treatments. It helps with finances, it helps with hospitalization, it helps with treatment."
He added that firefighters are at higher risk for cancer.
The trio ascended the vertical equivalent of 774 feet - going up the stairs just over 15 times. Though it doesn't count towards their total distance, Kaiser, McLeod and Simpson did also complete 15 trips down the stairs.
The eighth annual event has run virtually since May 27. An in-person event is set for June 5 in Calgary at Olympic Park to cap off this year's fundraiser. Before the pandemic, all participants would gather to complete the trek at the Bow Tower.
Distance for climbs completed remotely are determined based on the metrics if one were to complete the challenge in the tower.
McLeod has participated in the event many times before and said he'll do it as long as he's able.
"An hour of pain is well worth it to help somebody that's going through that treatment," he said.
"There's going to be a time when we can't climb anymore and I'm hoping we can inspire people to climb."
Despite beginning earlier in the morning to avoid the heat, the group was itching to shed its layers by the time it was finished.
Kaiser and McLeod were bundled up in their boots, fire-repellent pants and jackets, helmets and oxygen tanks - about 50 pounds of equipment in total.
Simpson suited up in her full RCMP gear for the journey.
"RCMP have a great relationship with the fire department in town and I wanted to support them," she said.
Grade 3 and 4 students from Percy Pegler School's nature-based learning program even stopped by to cheer them on, offering high fives and cheers upon the completion of the first set.
So far, Okotoks Emergency Services has raised $985 for their cause. Donations are accepted until 4 p.m. on June 4. Kaiser said that was a good amount considering that many people are just getting back to work and finances may be a bit tight.
To support the team visit its fundraising website.
