Calgarians put their best foot forward to help support families experiencing housing instability with Inn from the Cold's 15th annual Steps to End Homelessness Stair Climb on Sunday, in honour of event founder Suzanne West.
The event has participants climb the 167 steps along the McHugh Bluff Stairs, and also serves as one of the organization's major fundraisers to support its family shelter and programs, Inn from the Cold CEO Heather Morley said.
"It's an opportunity for the community to come out and support families in need in our community, get some exercise, have some amazing fun while they're at it," Morley said.
"An event like this is important because not only does it help Inn From the Cold raise critically needed funds for our family emergency shelter and all of our family programs, but it also raises awareness of the issue, and I think most Calgarians would be shocked to know the number of families that are in the most desperate and dire of circumstances."
Two in every 1,000 Calgarians experience homelessness, according to data from the Calgary Homeless Foundation.
Although April storms brought in some snow over the weekend, Morley said that didn't stop Calgarians from participating.
"Calgarians rally every single time," she said. "I mean, we're Canadians, we're Albertans, (and) we are used to working through adversity. A little bit of snow isn't going to scare anybody away, and . . . looking at it, it really let up, like it's not much of an issue at all."
The event also falls on the birthday of founder, philanthropist and energy sector leader, Suzanne West, who launched the climb in 2009.
"We unfortunately lost her a few years ago when she passed away, but her family's Power of One foundation continues to match every donation that comes in today," Morley said. "It's an incredible event. I'm so proud of the community."
West's brother, Greg West, said their family enjoys honouring and supporting his older sister's legacy following her death in 2018.
"On her 45th birthday when she started the event, she just wanted to give back to the community in some way, shape or form, so she said, 'I'll donate the pain or you donate the pain, I'll pay for every step that you go up and down'," West said. "It's grown over the years and this was literally her favourite time of year, (and) favourite day of the year. Today is actually her birthday and she just loved it."
Calgary Fire Department Chief Steve Dongworth said the event supports a great cause.
"Our folks interact with folks who are experiencing homelessness every day and whatever we can do to make their situations better is good for everyone," Dongworth said. "It certainly feels good to do something to help."
He said it's hard work climbing those steps, and firefighters at the event participated with their gear on.
"The number of times we did with the tank on our back, it's a good workout for Sunday morning, (and a) great way to start the day," Dongworth said. "I did 10 laps. I could feel it for sure. The temptation is always to go a bit quicker than you should when you start, but once you get into a pace, it's good, your heart recovers on the way down and then it's another lap. Great people are encouraging you and (it's) a great cause. It doesn't take much more to come out and do something like this."
