On May 19, 950 firefighters take on the 1,103 stairs of Auckland’s Sky Tower for the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge raising funds for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.

This year firefighters ranging in age from 16 to 76 years old will gear up with full firefighting kit and breathing apparatus weighing up to 25kg.

Across New Zealand, close to 200 brigades* and their firefighters are holding popular fundraisers such as car washes, sausage sizzles and quiz nights. More unusual events include hypnotist evenings and guessing the number of Lego bricks in a 10kg fire truck.

To date this year, firefighters have raised over $400,000 towards a fundraising target of $1 million.

The funds raised will help Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand run their vital nationwide service supporting Kiwis and their families who are living with a blood cancer.

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand General Manager Georgie Hackett says the support from brigades and their local communities is humbling.

“We are so grateful for the tremendous generosity and hard work of firefighters participating in the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge. 

“This fundraising is the backbone of our service and helps us grow our vital support for families living with blood cancer in their communities right across the country.”

The Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge is sponsored by SKYCITY and Auckland Airport. 

SKYCITY Auckland hosted the first Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge in 2005, and the event has gone from strength to strength every year.

“We’re so proud to have Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand as a charity partner and to have an icon like the Sky Tower that has enabled this incredibly successful fundraising event that has raised nearly $6 million over the past 13 years,” says Brad Burnett, General Manager SKYCITY Hotels and Sky Tower.

To find out how to support your local brigade visit www.firefightersclimb.org.nz 

ENDS