Along with the wildlife wandering around the local woods do not be alarmed if you see a pack of firefighters in full gear trudging about. Myself, along with several of my fellow Halfmoon Bay Firefighters have signed up to complete the “Climb the Wall” challenge March 2 in Vancouver at the Sheraton Wall Centre. This event is an annual fundraiser for the BC Lung Foundation, “The Stairclimb for Lung Health.” This challenge is a timed event, climbing 48 stories of the iconic downtown tower. As firefighters, we are competing in our full gear and on air, which can weigh up to 60 additional pounds.
We are fundraising for this event through the event webpage, which is linked on the Halfmoon Bay public Facebook. A minimum goal of fundraising $225 per participant is set but, of course, we aren’t aiming for the minimum. We have enlisted all our new probationary recruits and even some friends and family members to compete alongside us. Funds raised go towards vital research, programs and advocacy efforts through the BC Lung Foundation to save lives and improve lung health across BC. This is a cause especially close to the heart of all firefighters.
Since Halfmoon Bay lacks high-rises, many of us have been utilizing local trails and stairs to get the steps in. I have had the chance to talk to neighbours and even visitors who have stopped to ask me what on earth I’m doing, which is a fair question out of context. It has been a great opportunity to speak about the importance of our local department as well as the BC Lung Foundation. We do this not only for a good cause but to challenge ourselves physically and mentally. We have had a record-breaking year for call outs for our department and maintaining our fitness is imperative to best serve our community as the need for our services increases. I hope you can support us this year, whether financially or in spirit. See you on the stairs!
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any upcoming events to be featured or want to connect about all things happening in Halfmoon Bay.
Kyla Trethewey, columnist and Halfmoon Bay Firefighter #36.
