Calgarians Tackle McHugh Bluff Stair Climb Challenge to Support Military Families
Calgarians laced up for a stair-climbing challenge at the McHugh Bluff stairs on Saturday to raise money for military and veteran families across southern Alberta. The Calgary Military Family Resource Centre's third annual Stairs of Strength fundraiser saw participants carrying extra weight as they climbed up and down the stairs in northwest Calgary, honouring the military and veteran communities.
Funds raised through the event support programs such as counselling services, emergency family support, pet-care subsidies for deployed military personnel, and camps for military children. Barbara Pohl, executive director of the Calgary MFRC, emphasized the importance of the event. "It's more than a fundraiser — it's a show of solidarity to the military families that serve alongside the Canadian Armed Forces," she said. "We're so excited to be here and to have this kind of support from the community."
For the Families
Pohl noted that military families often are "invisible." "People don't see the service they're giving," she explained. "But when your family member goes away for extended periods … just to know that your friends and neighbours recognize what you're giving to Canada — that is a big piece of this. Every step climbed represents the resilience, sacrifice and strength of these families, while helping ensure they have access to the connection, support and resources they deserve."
Approximately 70 per cent of participants were either members of the Canadian Armed Forces, or Calgary firefighters and law enforcement personnel showing solidarity. Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth was among community leaders who attended. "I'm not as young as I used to be," said Dongworth after completing the challenge. "But it's a great cause … We have great respect at the Calgary Fire Department for military veterans and the military."
For the third consecutive year, Lieutenant-Colonel Sandy Cooper took on the challenge wearing "full fighting order," carrying about 55 pounds of weighted body armour and training equipment. The added weight symbolized the physical and emotional burden carried by those who serve. This year, Cooper aimed to climb 1,670 stairs, equivalent to ten trips up the winding staircase. Cooper highlighted the unique challenges faced by military families. "When someone makes a decision to join the Canadian Armed Forces, that affects their whole family," he said. "If you're on a long deployment, you're gone for six months, nine months, a year. The challenges that soldiers, sailors, aviators and their families face are very real."
Members of the Canadian Forces Base Suffield Command Team and the Commander of 41 Canadian Brigade Group also participated. More information about the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre and its programs can be found on the organization's website.
