Nine members of the Echuca CFA will climb the steps of Crown Metropol in Melbourne while wearing 25 kilograms of turnout gear and breathing apparatus to raise money for mental health charities.
First Lieutenant Alex Green, Fourth Lieutenant Jordan Simpson, and firefighters Daniel Phyland, Matthew Edgley, Kaiden Ellis, Shae Bruns, Charlee Amos, Carter Williams and Kyle Bartlett will be representing the brigade in the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb on Saturday, September 10.
Mr Green said the start to training had been mixed due to the group’s varying fitness levels.
“Everyone is at different levels, so it can be a challenge,” Mr Green said.
“Matt and I started at 13 minutes to do 28 floors, and we’re building on that.
“I’ll be happy with a time of anywhere between seven and 10 minutes with full kit.”
Each member of the team who is qualified will be wearing and using the breathing apparatus, which makes the climb more difficult to achieve.
“It’s dry air, so it doesn’t help, it hinders,” Mr Green said.
Each Echuca CFA participant has a fundraising goal of $1000 each, and so far, the team has raised more than $1800.
This year, the event organisers are aiming to raise $600,000 for Lifeline, Fortem and the 000 Foundation to improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness of mental health issues, especially for those within the emergency service sector.
To donate to the Echuca CFA’s Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb fundraiser, visit www.firefighterclimb.org.au/station/cfa/echuca
For any organisations looking to support the team, contact the brigade via: lt1@echucacfa.com.au