Firefighters on the way to reach their goal

Hundreds of firefighters across the country are well on track to raising $750,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand’s (LBC’s) Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge, through some very creative fundraising and a whole lot of community spirit.

On May 23 firefighters from across the country will battle their way up 51 flights, or 1,103 steps of the Sky Tower wearing full firefighting kits and breathing apparatus weighing up to 25kg.

Registrations for the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge opened in November and once again rapidly sold-out with spaces being filled by firefighters across New Zealand with 23 participants coming from various international countries such as Australia, the U.S. Germany and Chile.

180 brigades and stations have spent countless hours not only preparing for the physical feat but dedicating their time to raise money for LBC. They have already raised over $500,000. The funds raised go back into the community helping to support the 6 Kiwis diagnosed with a blood cancer or related condition every day and their families.

Funds have been raised from numerous creative events with family members and their local communities offering support. Events have ranged from a weekend boar hunt organised by the Temuka Volunteer Fire Brigade to Tom Hopkins from the NZ Army Emergency Response Squadron who has spent hours on a rowing machine in various public places, through to Kaikohe Volunteer Fire Brigade organising a hay bailing weekend and Paul Doughty from Whanganui Station auctioning himself off in the annual Mr Whanganui bachelor auction.

The South2Sky team comprising firefighters from across the country are currently running the length of New Zealand in a relay and will climb the Sky Tower carrying a hose.

With just under two weeks to go until the event each team are looking to reach and exceed their targets in a friendly but fierce fight to the top of the leader board.

Pru Etcheverry, CEO of Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand says the firefighters are incredibly competitive on the climb but also on the money they raise to support blood cancer patients.

“We are super excited at how much the firefighters have already raised and we love hearing about the unique ideas and events they come up with to do so. We love their enthusiasm and are deeply appreciated of their dedication and support,” says Ms Etcheverry.

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

SKYCITY Chief Executive Nigel Morrison says SKYCITY is proud to be working with Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ on this creative and exciting event.

“Not only has this event become the pinnacle fundraising challenge for the firefighting community around New Zealand, we deliver incredible results for LBC helping them support Kiwi families in need,” says Mr Morrison, who will be competing in the challenge for the first time this year.

“The Sky Tower is an incredible structure and to see it used in this way is so inspiring. Every year we are astounded but the commitment of the firefighters and their communities to help raise money for LBC and I have no doubt that this year will be bigger and better.”

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancers and related blood conditions. www.leukaemia.org.nz

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