FAQ
When and where does the Calgary Firefighter Stairclimb take place?
The climb will be taking place in THE BOW building 500 Centre Street SE in downtown Calgary, Alberta on Sunday May 3, 2015. Event starts at Firehall One with registration at 8:00am, opening ceremony at 8:45am; the first climber ascends the BOW at 9:30am. The last climber should complete the descent at about 2:00pm.
Who can participate?
Firefighters (active, retired, and volunteer) from all over the world are welcome to register for this challenge! You must be 18 years of age or older on event day.
Are special hotel discounts available?
For our out of town guests, we have two preferred hotels that are ready to host our everyday heroes and their families with a preferred rate exclusive to you during your stay in Calgary. To book your stay, click here for the Delta Bow Valley hotel or or click here for the Hyatt Regency. Both are located within a block or two of the stairclimb at THE BOW downtown Calgary.
Is parking available?
Parking is available at multiple lots and street parking throughout the downtown core. Here's a list of places nearby and their weekend (daily) rates (typically 6am-6pm):
Can my friends and family attend the Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge?
No. Due to space limitations, spectators not are allowed inside THE BOW building during the course of the competition. Plans are in the works for a special friends & family area off-site for your guests to enjoy. Watch your email for details on this to come.
Why are they climbing?
These remarkable men and women are climbing 1204 steps and 775 vertical feet (on top of 3400 feet of elevation!) in support of an amazing local charity that supports people living with cancer:
Wellspring Calgary
Wellspring Calgary supports, informs and empowers people diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families and caregivers by helping them address the fear, isolation, disruption and practical problems cancer brings to their lives. All Wellspring Calgary programs, services and resources are offered free of charge and without referral so no one has to face cancer alone. www.wellspringcalgary.ca
The event is hosted by The Calgary Firefighters Benevolent Fund
Firefighting is an inherently dangerous and unhealthy occupation. Only the fittest and healthiest of the population are recruited and unfortunately, due to the many adverse exposures a firefighter faces, the majority of them retire with serious health and injury related problems. The Calgary Firefighters Benevolent Fund, whose purpose is to provide assistance to firefighters and their families when they experience health related issues, addresses this need.
What about tax receipts?
Donations of $20.00 or more will automatically receive a Canadian tax receipt for the entire amount of the donation (provided all donor information is provided with the gift). You will either receive an electronic receipt from Wellspring Calgary if your donation was made online by credit card, or you will be snail-mailed a receipt from Wellspring Calgary for cash and cheque donations.
When does registration open?
Registration is now open.
How much does it cost to register for this event?
REGISTRATION IS FREE! We are asking for a minimum $200 donation to participate but you can raise that later from family, friends and neighbours, OR you can donate it yourself at time of registration. We encourage you to let others know you are taking on this personal best challenge to support people living with cancer. If you pay at time of registration, your full $200 will be tax receiptable. If you choose to register without paying, you can encourage your family, friends and colleagues to sponsor your climb and help you achieve the suggested $200 in fundraising for the great cause attached to this event.
If you're in a team, as long as your team has raised $800 each firefighter's fundraising goal is covered.
Who do I make cheques payable to?
Please make cheques payable to Wellspring Calgary. They can be mailed to 1404 Home Rd NW Calgary AB T3B 1G7, Attn: Fund Development. Make sure your name is referenced in the memo field or in an attached note.
If you are sponsoring a specific firefighter or team, make sure you attach a note on or to the cheque to name the person or team so they will qualify for the incentive prizes!
Who can I contact at Wellspring Calgary with Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge related questions?
For questions or additional information, please call Suzan Valenta at (403) 521-5292 or email suzanv@wellspringcalgary.ca.
