Climbing for charity

On Saturday, September 2, some 630 firefighters from around the world climbed all 28 floors of the Crown Metropol Hotel in a bid to raise $500,000 for charity.

Competing firefighters were required to wear 25 kg of protective clothing and breathing equipment during the climb, which would simulate the experience of entering a burning high-rise building. The Firefighters Charity Fund (FCF) contest has been running for four years and has raised funds for many life-saving causes.

“Since its inception, [we have] raised more than $1 million for a variety of worthy causes, including cancer research and burns support, with the focus turning to mental health and suicide prevention this year,” FCF chairman Mark Carter said.

In addition to the many firefighters, MFB chief officer David Bruce, emergency management commissioner Craig Lapsley, CFA chief officer Steve Warrington and celebrity trainer “Commando” Steve were in attendance.

This year, firefighters were hoping to raise half a million dollars for Lifeline and the Black Dog Institute within their local communities.

Event manager and MFB leading firefighter Steve Axup said: “These much-needed funds will be used to improve support services, sponsor research, remove stigma and raise awareness of mental health issues, including depression, post traumatic stress disorder and suicide – a cause close to the heart of so many firefighters.”