Up to 700 participating Victorian and interstate emergency services members climbed the Crown on September 2, to raise money and awareness for mental health and cancer research.
The 10th annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb was organised by the 000Foundation and raised more than $605,000 for this year’s beneficiaries, which included Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and 000Foundation.
The challenge saw firefighters get into 25 kilograms of protective gear and race up 28 floors of the tower one-by-one.
Country Fire Authority (CFA) deputy chief officer Garry Cook said it’s positive to see emergency services personnel come together in person to support such a worthwhile cause.
“Our members are enthusiastic participants of this event and it’s great to see their contributions make a difference by raising money and awareness for mental health programs and cancer research,” he said.
Firefighters and emergency personnel from all over Australia flocked to Melbourne to be part of the stair climb.
CFA firefighters climbed alongside members from FRV, FFMVic, Victoria Police, VICSES, Ambulance Victoria and members from Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia and New Zealand.
Since the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb Challenge launched in 2014, the event has raised more than $3.5 million.
It has benefited charities and organisations such as Alfred Hospital Burns Unit, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Lifeline, Black Dog Institute, Emergency Services Foundation and 000Foundation.
Details: www.firefighterclimb.org.au
