About the Stairclimb

On Sunday, May 5, 2019, hundreds of firefighters from across North America will climb the stairs of Calgary’s BOW tower, one of Western Canada’s tallest buildings, in support of firefighters and citizens living with cancer.  Hosted by the Calgary Firefighters Benevolent Society, Calgary is poised to cheer on the brave ones who will climb the 775 vertical feet –  1204 steps – of The BOW Building in full duty gear.  Starting at 3400 feet above sea level, this climb is the highest elevation firefighter stairclimb in the world!

Inspired by Seattle’s Scott Firefighter Stairclimb, Kathy Blas, sister of local fallen firefighter Gord Paul, brought this event to the attention of the Calgary Fire Department, the Calgary Firefighters Benevolent Society and local cancer charity, Wellspring Calgary. Wellspring provides programs, resources and support to people living with cancer along with their caregivers. The event is promoted and hosted by The Calgary Firefighters Benevolent Society whose purpose is to provide assistance to firefighters and their families when they are in need. There are 17 presumptive cancers that are a recognized occupational hazard of the firefighter’s job. Those who live with cancer are heroes to their families and friends, living out each day with courage and hope. Firefighters also provide courage and hope; they are our everyday heroes. The event is fully endorsed and supported by the Calgary Fire Department.

Wellspring Calgary is delighted to announce Wellspring will gift a portion of event proceeds to support the Firefighters Assistance Charitable Society (FACS): their mission is to empower and strengthen the firefighter by enhancing the success and resilience of the firefighter community.

The Firefighter Stariclimb Challenge is an annual event held every spring in Calgary, Alberta.

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CLICK HERE for an article on the link between firefighting and cancer.

CLICK HERE for a fact sheet on firefighters and presumptive cancers.

Click here to read more about how this event came to be.

Key supporters of this event include:

• Calgary Firefighters Benevolent Society
• Calgary Fire Department
• Calgary Firefighters Association IAFF Local 255
• Wellspring Calgary

You must be an active, volunteer, or retired firefighter and be at least 18 years old on event day to participate in this climb.

“Encana has a longstanding and valued partnership with the Calgary Fire Department. One of our core values as a company is safety, both at home and in the workplace, and we’re proud to support the local firefighters who work every day to keep our communities safe. As the presenting sponsor, Encana is pleased to provide the venue for the Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge in support of Wellspring Calgary.”  Mike Williams, EVP Corporate Services

More About the Event

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