A team of local firefighters will climb the Hope Lookout Trail in full gear on Feb. 27, doing their part for the BC Lung Foundation.
The ‘Climb the Wall’ virtual challenge will see Monica Cummins, Josh Westcott, Branden Stewart and Sabrina Russo winding their way up a steep 2.3 mile hike, testing their lungs on behalf of those who can’t.
There may be more firefighters added to the roster, including a former Hope Fire Department member who is now based in Richmond.
According to the BC Lung Foundation website, individual participants are challenged to raise $100 and compete virtually to accumulate the greatest number of steps between Feb. 1 and 28. They can also join a group challenge to see which team can go the distance collectively.
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“I know so many of us have been impacted by lung disease, either personally, or through those we love,” said Cummins, who has done this event several times before. “We will be stepping up for the one in five Canadians affected by lung disease including asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer.”
Because of COVID-19, this the second year in a row that the event has been virtual.
Before the pandemic, it was held in downtown Vancouver, with firefighters tackling several flights of stairs at the towering Sheraton Wall Centre.
“Since the event began, climbers have raised over $2 million to help Canadians breathe easier,” Cummins said. “It truly is an amazing event. Join us any way you can. Your support is appreciated.”
The team is planning to hold a Feb. 24 fundraiser event at the Hope Cinema, with more details coming soon.
Province wide, the goal for the 2022 Climb the Wall Challenge is to raise $30,000
As of Feb. 8 the total has reached $18,975.