CFAs from the Upper Yarra displayed determination and grit as they successfully completed the 12th annual Melbourne Firefighters Stair Climb (MFSC).
On 6 September members from the Wesburn-Millgrove, Warburton, Hillcrest and Gruyere CFAs climbed the spiraling stairs of the Crown Metropol in what was the culmination of a record-breaking year for the MFSC.
The MFSC sees firefighters climbing 28 floors of the Crown Metropol in Melbourne under 25 kilograms of turnout gear to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and crisis support.
Upper Yarra CFAs contributed $20,948 to the $1.1 million total, smashing last year’s donations by $300,000 while beating its target of $1 million.
All of the CFAs in the Yarra Ranges combined raised $76,309.
Wesburn-Millgrove CFA member Tony Lewis said he felt “ecstatic” at the outcome of this year’s campaign.
“The guys from Wesburn-Millgrove all did a fantastic job with our fundraising this year.”
All members from Wesburn-Millgrove CFA who participated in the climb beat their own individual fundraising targets of $1000 which contributed to the brigade’s total of $7717 raised.
Mr Lewis said the efforts demonstrated the growing awareness of the campaign and its cause.
“It makes the community aware that we’re not only there for them in their time of need, but also nationally, we’re more than happy to step up and help out others in need.”
The funds were split between the three organisations, with $440,000 going to Lifeline and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation while $220,000 went to the 000 Foundation.
The MFSC originally began as a tribute toward the Memorial Firefighter Stair Climb, which honoured the sacrifice of 343 firefighters who lost their lives during the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in America.
The MFSC has evolved since then, becoming a national fundraiser for Australian emergency service personnel with just under 1000 climbers participating this year.
MFSC event director Chris May it was an extremely successful event with everyone coming together to support a good cause.
“It was just a really good day… that sees foundations like the 000 Foundation able to support first responders and their families going through challenging times. $440,000 going to Lifeline answers nearly 11,000 phone calls of someone in a crisis.”
The $440,000 raised for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation would also top the amount raised by the AFL’s Peter Mac Cup by $43,000.
“It’s all because of the fantastic work of these firefighters and first responders and their local communities. It was just fantastic to see, it really was,” Mr May said.
Warburton CFA member Kodie Ireland and her 19-year-old stepson also climbed on the day and raised $1245 for the campaign.
Ms Ireland was also a volunteer who helped climbers when they reached the finish line.
“We cheer them across the finish line, we encourage them to take those last final steps towards us. As they reach us, it’s all hands on deck and we get all their gear off and congratulate them on the amazing effort.”
Hillcrest CFA captain Colin Dickson said he beat his time of six minutes and 44 seconds from last year, managing to finish in six minutes and 10 seconds.
He said when he crossed the finish line and the volunteers took off his equipment, he felt like a “race car entering the pits”.
Mr May said the campaign’s achievements was a sign that Australians are starting to recognise the sacrifices of our emergency service personnel.
“It just goes to show this generally, a lot of communities are aware of the issues faced by everyday Australians, emergency services and first responders.”
He compared climbing the stairs “on air” (being hooked up to a breathing apparatus kit) to the battles people face with their mental health.
“You get to about the fourth floor, and you slow down and realise, ‘wow, this is actually pretty tough on my own’,” Mr May said.
“Floor 10 is where you meet the first volunteer who’s standing in the stairwell for your safety, and they’re clapping you on… you kind of realise that you can do it, there are people around here to support you through it.
“It’s kind of an analogy for your friends and family and community.”
The ages of the climbers varied greatly on the day – Mr Dickson is a 59-year-old, while Ms Ireland’s stepson is only 19.
But something Ms Ireland pointed out is all climbers carried the same 25 kilograms of turnout gear on their shoulders.
She said it represented how in the end, we’re all dealing with our own struggles.
“But everybody makes it to the top one way or another, and it’s really rewarding to see that.”
