Rebecca Perkins is lacing up her hiking boots and strapping on her crampons with added fervor this winter, as she sets her sights on entering the race to Challenge the Chief in Wellspring Alberta’s 10th annual Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge on June 9.
“I plan to make every sport count, including my favourite winter activities, to help get me in shape for the steep climb up the tower at Brookfield Place,” said Rebecca, noting that she lives in Canmore and she and her husband are avid hikers and rock and ice climbers. “I’m pretty excited that this year my mountain steps are going to count for something I really care about!”
For the past four years Rebecca has poured her heart and soul into her position as Wellspring Alberta’s Outreach Manager, a role she tackles with the same passion and voracity she applies to her mountain climbing pursuits.
“I wholeheartedly believe in Wellspring’s mission and I am proud to be doing my part to build stronger cancer support communities across the province,” she said. “By participating in the Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge, I hope to engage as many people as possible in our regional districts, and encourage them to get involved and help spread the word that Wellspring is here to help all Albertans facing cancer, as well as their families and caregivers.”
The 10th annual Firefighter Stairclimb will be held in person at Calgary’s tallest tower, Brookfield Place. At 57 stories and 1,370 steps, the event attracts firefighters from all over the world who are pumped to raise funds for Wellspring and thrilled to participate in this exhilarating stairclimb challenge!
For the Challenge the Chief portion of the event, any non-firefighter participants who want to enter the race can sign up to compete against Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth, a strong advocate for Wellspring Alberta who has raised thousands of dollars and participated in the stairclimb since the beginning in 2015. Participants such as Rebecca Perkins, who will enter the race wearing modified firefighter gear, must raise $5,000 to go toe to toe with Chief Dongworth.
“I have such respect for our firefighters who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. Their occupation puts them at greater risk for developing cancer, so while many tackle the stairclimb because they love the challenge and comradery of the event, many are also invested because the cause has hit them close to home,” said Rebecca.
Funds from the Firefighter Stairclimb go toward Wellspring Alberta’s mission to building stronger cancer support communities across all of Alberta and ensure no one faces cancer alone. With that objective top of mind, Rebecca plans to put out a call for others in the region to join her in her training and help highlight Wellspring and the stairclimb event.
“When I’m in Drumheller, I plan to invite firefighters and volunteers to join me in climbing the stairs of the world’s largest dinosaur statue. When I’m in Lethbridge I plan to put out a call out for people to join me in climbing the stairs at Bull Trail Park North. Every chance I get between now and the stairclimb, I’d love to engage as many people as possible to join me in my training, and help to raise funds while highlighting that Wellspring is here for anyone living with cancer,” said Rebecca.
