A bagpiping Richmond firefighter is leading the annual charge for charity up the stairs at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.
Richmond Fire-Rescue deputy chief Jim Wishlove is one of several local firefighters carrying 50 pounds of gear up all 48 storeys of the “Wall” in support of the one in five British Columbians affected by a lung or breathing condition.
Held annually for the past 19 years, the BC Lung Association’s Climb the Wall fundraiser helps fund vital lung patient support programs, research and advocacy initiatives.
“Climb the Wall is a rare event in that it allows us to come together as a firefighting community to advocate for a cause that strikes close to home,” said Wishlove, who usually pipes the firefighters into the hotel ballroom prior to the event.
“Firefighters routinely find ourselves at risk of exposure to harmful air pollutants in the course of our work.
“While we take precautions and wear special gear to protect ourselves, each fire exposes us to a mix of toxins that can contribute to firefighters’ increased risk of respiratory disease and cancer.”
Wishlove said he values the opportunity to support the BC Lung Association in its efforts to “promote and protect lung health and clean air.”
This year will mark Richmond firefighters sixth time competing for fastest climb time - no easy feat when you consider firefighters compete wearing more than 50 pounds of protective firefighting gear and breathing apparatus on their backs.
Stair climbing alongside B.C. firefighters every year are also a large contingent of family, friends and lung healthcare professionals climbing in tribute to loved ones affected by respiratory illness.
“Together, B.C. firefighters, lung healthcare community members, and participating members of the public have raised almost two million dollars since the event first began,” said Christopher Lam, CEO of the BC Lung Association.
“We’re extremely thankful to everyone involved – including Climb the Wall’s long-time sponsor, event host and brunch provider, the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel.
“And it’s important we give Deputy Chief Jim Wishlove a special shout out. He is responsible for what has become one of Climb the Wall’s most cherished annual rituals – involving a set of bagpipes belonging to Jim.
“Watching and listening to Jim play as he leads B.C.’s firefighting community into the event ballroom is a moment one never forgets.
“A big thanks to Jim for keeping the tradition going year in and year out and in recent years for recruiting piper pals to amplify the effect!”
To make a donation in support of Richmond firefighters, visit StairClimb.ca, click donate and search for the team ‘RFR 2020!’ or search a specific firefighter by name.
To participate in the event on Sunday, Feb. 23, non-firefighter climbers pay a $25 registration fee and commit to fundraising a minimum of $125.
In return, every climber receives a limited edition 2020 Climb the Wall t-shirt, brunch and front row seats to some unique Sunday morning fun.
All event proceeds go towards much-needed lung health and air quality research, education, and lung patient support programs across the province.
For more information or to register call toll free 1.800.665.LUNG or email StairClimb@bc.lung.ca.
