Media Release | 05 May 2011

Fire-fighters climbing for charity

Auckland Airport Emergency Services are putting their fitness to the test in a bid to raise money for the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation.

On May 6th and 17th the Auckland Airport fire-fighters will be hard at work climbing the escalators at the International Terminal in preparation for the Sky Tower Stair Climb Challenge.

The Sky Tower Challenge is an annual event where firefighters from around the country race up the 1,103 steps of Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower in a charity fundraiser for the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation (LBF).

This year the climb, which is to be held on May 21st, has attracted a record number of participants, with over 400 firefighters from around the world entering the race.

Prizes are awarded to those firefighters who get to the top of the Sky Tower first, but the competition is just as fierce for the spot of top fundraisers.

Last year Auckland Airport Emergency Services raised $20,000 for the Foundation, putting them a close second for the fundraising prize.

This year the Auckland Airport team will be out to claim the trophy by showing their stamina with an uphill climb of the downhill escalators. Around 14 fire-fighters will climb the escalators taking 10-30 minute turns while other fire-fighters will be available to collect donations and answer questions.

Auckland Airport fire-fighter Tony Scott says “the escalator challenge is perfect training for our boys but more importantly it’s a great way to raise money for a very worthwhile organisation.”

The Leukemia and Blood Foundation is the national organisation in New Zealand dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood conditions.

ENDS

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