Up on the Mount Donna Buang Observation Tower, a line of CFA members slowly ascend the metal stairs. The icy wind whistles around them, interrupted only by the sounds of exhaustion. Oxygen tanks weigh them down like shackles, and their strained breath fog up their face masks. Worked to the bone, the firefighters continue their ascent.
It’s an early Saturday morning, though the firefighters aren’t turning out to a tower top blaze – they’re training for the annual Melbourne Firefighters Stair Climb (MFSC).
The MFSC sees firefighters climbing 28 floors of the Crown Metropol in Melbourne under 25 kilograms of turnout gear, with some even taking on the extra challenge of using breathing apparatus (BA) during the climb.
The event will take place on 6 September and will raise funds for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, Lifeline and the 000 Foundation.
Every Saturday, the Wesburn/Millgrove and Warburton CFAs climb the Observation Tower with 25 kilograms of gear on their backs to prepare for the climb.
In his 11th year taking part in the MFSC, Wesburn/Millgrove CFA member Tony Lewis has said he was motivated by the potential to save lives.
“It’s knowing that we are supporting people in need… if we can save one life then it’s a win for us all.
“We’re all wanting to make the world a better place,” Mr Lewis said.
The MFSC’s fundraising goal this year is $1 million which will be split between Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and 000 Foundation.
With $400,000 slotted towards Lifeline this year, MFSC event director Chris May said the money could fund an estimated 10,000 phone calls to those in need.
“It costs $39 to train someone to answer a phone call at lifeline… we’re looking to essentially donate around $400,000 to lifeline… that’s 10,000 phone calls answered in Victoria,” Mr May said.
Another $400,000 will go towards the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the remaining amount towards the 000 Foundation.
While $400,000 was a “drop in the ocean” when it came to cancer research, Mr May said “every single dollar” goes towards cancer treatment.
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.
“It is partly a memorial climb, but also it is a large scale fundraising climb now, so it’s kind of evolved over the years,” Mr May said.
Last year’s MFSC raised just under $800,000 which smashed its overall goal of $750,000.
This year, it’s raised $410,000 so far – donations can be made here: firefighterclimb.org.au/donations/donate/
For Mr Lewis, the 10 minute struggle of the climb didn’t compare to the physical and mental health battles endured by those who would benefit from the work of Lifeline, 000 Foundation and Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.
“The older you get, the more difficult it gets. Even though we all train like crazy, it gets more difficult every year. But it’s a motivation just to get to that finish line.
“And knowing that our 5, ten minute struggle, working hard to get to the top of the Metropol, it’s nothing in comparison to what people are going through mentally and physically because of their mental health struggles and the people that are receiving care for their cancer,” Mr Lewis said.
His goal for this year is to raise $1000, though increased cost of living has thrown a spanner in the works.
“We’re all finding that it’s more difficult this year, obviously… but we’re all trying extremely hard to raise the most money that we can.”
But, Mr Lewis wouldn’t be too disappointed if he didn’t hit his $1000 target.
“Everything counts. If we can save that one life, then that’s amazing,” Mr Lewis said.
