CN Tower Climb – WWF-Canada Blog

H&M’s corporate team gears up for WWF’s 23rd Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb!

By Olivia Fernandez Why did H&M decide to join WWF in its 23^rd Annual CN Tower Climb this year? At H&M, we believe in joining forces and, through close collaboration, strengthening communities. Beginning this year, together with WWF, we are taking this to a whole new level. On a global scale, we have committed to a three-year partnership in which we will work together towards implementing a holistic water stewardship strategy that aims to be a game changer for our industry and beyond, and locally, we are teaming up with WWF in its 23^rd Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb. This exciting and exhilarating event goes hand-in-hand with H&M’s commitment to sustainability and we are thrilled to support WWF’s conservation work. How did you promote internally about this event? Word of mouth, as well as beautifully designed posters by WWF displayed in every place imaginable in the office (on the fridge, by the copier and water cooler, etc.). Why do you think it’s important for employees to get out of the office to support the environment? I think it’s important for employees to get out of the office to support our natural world for a multitude of reasons!

--To live and breathe their company’s values
--To contribute to their company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and philanthropic efforts
--To educate for real change and influence their behavior
--To encourage team building and boost employee engagement

© H&M

Your team names? For now, Conscious Climbers and MERCHing up the Stairs. What are three tips to recruit employees on your team? 1. Tie the ‘event’ back to the company’s sustainability vision 2. Share your own experiences about how easy it is to register and raise funds 3. Share with them that the average person, with no training, makes it to the top in approximately 30 minutes. This tag line seems to have done the trick around here! What are three fundraising tips that you can share with other captains? 1. Be the first to make a donation – to yourself! Doing so sets the standard that sponsors are most likely to follow. 2. Get social. Let your family, friends, coworkers and clients know about your involvement in the Climb via mass text messages and e-mails, Twitter, Facebook, etc. 3. Add a personal touch to your personal Fundraising Page with a message – this will help motivate your sponsors to give generously. What are you looking forward to most on Climb day? Reaching the 1776^th step (for the first time) alongside my colleagues! How will your team celebrate after? It’ll go one of two ways: 1) Straight home to shower and sleep or 2) Head to a nearby restaurant together to celebrate our accomplishment, eat dinner, have some drinks and share some good laughs! Did you know? Team Climbers who raise more than $300 will get a prize AND be invited to the exclusive VIP Dr. Scholl’s Team Challenge After Party with a delicious buffet dinner and an evening full of entertainment! Learn more. Words of advice for other champion climbers? At H&M, we have seven commitments that we work towards for a more sustainable fashion future. As the Conscious Coordinator for Canada, I feel a huge responsibility to bring awareness to these commitments, as well guide our work in this area. To make others believe in what you believe in, you have to believe in it yourself first. Learn as much as you can about the Climb and why it happens. Engage your colleagues by telling them about the climb, tie it back to your company’s sustainability vision, make them aware of the great prizes up for grabs! Climb with us! Are you and your colleagues interested in Climbing the Tower and crossing it off your bucket list? If you’re passionate about conservation and want to participate in this exclusive event, join Denise and hundreds of climbers in support of the planet. Register your company for the Team Challenge. We’ll see you there!

Friends that train together climb the CN Tower together

By Carly Digweed, Communications Intern, WWF-Canada. Angie Beck and Anne Jones are two exercise enthusiasts that will be taking part in the 23^rd Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb on April 27! Together, these two embody what it means to be a powerhouse.

Anne, 68, has been a longtime supporter of WWF – so long so, she can’t recall when her commitment to the organization started. “We must never forget that, in general, mankind has not shared the world well with other species, and that supporting WWF helps – even if it’s in a small way – to restore that balance.” Anne is a fitness fanatic, taking part in activities like kick boxing and rock climbing. She’s recently returned home from a rock climbing trip in Namibia, Africa and can’t wait to put her extensive climb training to use. Angie is the other half the A-Team, and at 71-years-young, has taken on an extreme training routine for this year’s climb and explains why. “My trainer told me I couldn’t do it – that was enough motivation for me.” Both climbers have been training for weeks now – climbing their eight-storey concrete stairwell in their condominium 15 times a day. Once their trek to the top is complete, they take the elevator to the bottom and start it all again. “With Anne away traveling this week, I’ve become quite bored in my regime. I borrowed my daughter’s iPod, but to be honest, her music doesn’t really do it for me.” Angie has already managed to raise $500 towards her fundraising goal for WWF and plans to continue her support even after the event. “After the climb, I plan to [symbolically] adopt a polar bear.” So come April 28, what’s next for the dynamic duo? “We’ll definitely keep up our stair training – maybe not as often,” Angie said. “It does wonders for our thighs.”

By Olivia Fernandez, Living Planet @ Work Officer, WWF-Canada Thanks to you, our Arctic Home campaign was a huge success! Through Living Planet @ Work, we’ve tallied close to $15,000 from corporate donations, employee matches, 50/50 raffles, dress downs days, bake sales and one awesome (but very cold) employee polar dip! With the support of matching donations from Coca-Cola, we are pleased to announce that the Living Planet @ Work community has helped to contribute almost $30, 000 in support of WWF’s Arctic conservation work! Below are some highlights from companies and employees who supported the campaign: Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Inc. The Fairmont Toronto Head Office and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise together raised $605 dollars during their National Sweater Day events. They turned down the heat, wore their favourite sweaters, held raffles and donated all proceeds to WWF’s Arctic Home campaign.

David MacGillivray © Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

HSBC Bank Canada One of HSBC’s climate champions and his team in the Vancouver office raised $510 through various employee fundraising activities. That’s over $1000 to protect the home of the polar bear and continued work in the Last Ice Area. Hydro One Inc. Local Hydro One green teams organized fun and interactive events over the past couple of months, which incorporated fundraising elements too. One was a “Meal in a Bowl lunch” held at Hydro One’s Barrie office. For a small donation, employees were given a delicious lunch and the opportunity to give back to the planet!

One of Hydro One’s employee events at their Perth office © Hydro One

RSA Canada Group RSA’s offices nationwide, hosted a dress down day that altogether raised $4251 for Arctic Home. With a matching contribution, that’s just over $8500 to help us secure the best future for our Arctic ecosystem. Woodstock Quality Hotel Led by Living Planet @ Work champion Jason Pye, the company’s Arctic Home efforts included a donation change bin at the hotel front desk, fundraising drives and a 50/50 draw at the staff party which raised a total of $545! Ivanhoé Cambridge Staff supported National Sweater Day in a big way this year with participation from 30 properties. After hearing about the opportunity to double their, the organization supported the campaign with a generous $2500 corporate gift. We’d also like to give a special shout out to recognize The Carbon Neutral Shredding Company for their support, OLG’s Point Edward Casino site whose employees raised over $1500 for WWF through their employee polar dip, and all those who made individual donations.

OLG’s Pt. Edward Casino Employee Polar Dip © OLG

With the collective effort of workplace green champions, community groups and individuals, the Arctic Home campaign in Canada raised more than $420,000 to be matched! Your support helps us… -- Provide funding for polar bear population surveys led by local governments across the Canadian Arctic, to improve and update data. -- Commission more accurate and detailed models of sea ice conditions, to better understand where and when the ice is likely to be in the future. -- Organize a meeting with scientists and Inuit leaders in Iqaluit to share key research results and help shape the future of the Last Ice Area. We can’t thank you enough for your generosity and for believing in the work that we do. Are you inspired by these employee fundraising efforts to help protect our planet? If you care about conservation and want to engage your colleagues in making an impact to WWF’s projects, sign up to Living Planet @ Work. Learn from others in our champion showcase and check out our tools to get started now!

A proposal at the top of the CN Tower sparks a continued tradition!

Around here, we like to think of our supporters as part of the “Panda family”- and two of our members are getting married! Tina Crupi and Rabeah Karram, two of our most memorable climbers, were engaged at the top of the CN Tower in 2011 after Tina finished her climb; “Rabeah chose to propose at the climb because he knows how much I enjoy being part of this great cause” Tina recalls. “We love seeing thousands of people come together with the common interest of supporting WWF, and using it as motivation to live a healthy lifestyle”.

Tina Crupi and Rabeah Karram, just after climbing the CN Tower and getting engaged! ©Ken Mak, WWF-Canada

Participating in the climb has become a tradition for the couple; Tina has been participating for an outstanding 10 years, and since she has introduced Rabeah to the climb, he’s become a faithful supporter as well! As Tina explains, “the climb brings as closer together. As we train it allows us to spend more time with each other, all while supporting a great cause like the environment and wildlife”. Anyone who has been participated in the climb knows how infectious and uplifting all the positive energy is- “we really appreciate the volunteers who stand outside cheering on the climbers and the team at the top of the tower cheering and yelling, making us all feel like superstars”. What’s one of the parts they’re most looking forward to? “High-fiving our pal Panda of course!” Tina laughs. See you April 27^th Tina and Rabeah!

By Heather Crochetiere, Administrative Coordinator, Strategic Partnerships and Development Meet the team: Steph Morgan (Team Captain) - Coordinator, Strategic Partnerships and Development

Steph Morgan checks out the glass floor at the CN Tower.

Fundraising Goal: $1,000 "I’m going for less than 17 minutes…I’ll take anything from teleportation to 16min 59sec. My strategy comes from high school cross country: PMA- Positive Mental Attitude, which essentially translates to mind over matter. (Also, elbows out at the start line. I recently took up Muay Thai, so watch out everyone.)" Heather Crochetiere – Administrative Coordinator, Strategic Partnerships and Development Fundraising Goal: $1,000 "This is my first year climbing so I’m not really sure what to expect! I’d LOVE to do it in 15 minutes but I think I’ll make my real goal 18. Anything better is just gravy! My strategy is going to be slow (but not too slow) and steady wins the race. That and enjoying the use of my legs during the climb because they’re going to be sore for the next week!" Mike Terry – Co-op Student, Living Planet @ Work Fundraising Goal: $1,200 "Striving for 25 minutes. I’m hoping to decrease my weight and become more aerodynamic by shaving my head. "

The team (Heather, Rebecca, Hadley and James) gets ready for the big climb!

Rebecca Spring – Manager Sustainable Transportation Fundraising Goal: $1000 "It’s my first time, but I’ve heard that I should take it slow and steady. That I shouldn’t burn out too fast by running. Going for under 20 minutes." Jamie Joudrey – Former Panda Fundraising Goal: $1,000 "My strategy is slow and steady wins the race. Also don't look up, or down. Only straight ahead. I'm aiming for 30 minutes, and hoping to blow past that goal. See you at the top!" James Snider – Advisor, Conservation Science Fundraising Goal: $1,000 "It’s all about the hand rails. I’m not afraid to use those bad boys to pull myself along when my legs are burnt out." Hadley Archer – VP, Strategic Partnerships and Development Fundraising Goal: $10,000 "I’m aiming for 16 minutes this time (I can’t believe I’m doing it again!) and am going to take advantage of my stature – two steps at a time all the time." Donations to the team are much appreciated - click here! Join us on April 25^th for the Team Climb or 27^th for the Public Climb and you can climb the CN Tower too!!

Baldly going where no climber has gone before

By WWF-Canada co-op student, Mike Terry Well, hair, we had a good run – but, sadly, it is time for us to part (pun very much intended).

Not long after starting at WWF in January as a co-op student, I decided to join the WWF ‘Climb-it Smart’ CN Tower Climb team. And by ‘I decided’, I mean a colleague asked my boss if I could climb, and together they decided I would (thanks for that, Steph). I was hesitant, to say the least. Having never climbed before, the fundraising requirement of $250 seemed a worthy opponent - and then they told me that WWF was challenging its employee climbers to raise $1000, not the ‘bare minimum’ of $250! I didn’t start fundraising right away. There were still 6 weeks until the climb and I didn’t have a strategy – how was I going to convince people to give me $1000? That’s when it hit me – I was thinking about it all wrong. It’s not about asking people to give me money – it’s about asking people to invest financially in the future of our planet. And, if you like having a planet as much as I do (living in outer-space never seemed like my thing), you’ll probably agree it’s in all of our best interest to invest. Sponsoring WWF climbers is just one way of investing. So, to answer my earlier question to myself, how do you convince people to give you $1000? Well, you show them what the money is for – and then you find a way to show them how much the cause means to you. In my case, that meant two things – upping my fundraising goal to $1200, and declaring I would shave my head if I hit it. 12 emails, 2 Facebook postings, 1 LinkedIn posting, and 6 weeks of shameless self-promotion later, I’m extremely happy to report that I have surpassed my fundraising goal of $1200. I literally never thought this day would come – so, if you’re thinking of climbing, and haven’t registered because you’re worried you can’t fundraise, stop. Put faith in the cause; put faith in yourself; and put faith in the people in your life. When they see you care about something, they’ll want to support you. Lastly, special thanks to my hair. We’ve grown a lot together over the years (over the ears?), and life just won’t be the same without you – but, just so we’re clear, I am counting on you to come back. Soon. Want to climb? Register today for the team challenge (April 25 after work) or the Public Climb (April 27)! Can’t climb? Sponsor me and help me reach my stretch goal of $1500!

Team 'Climb-It Smart' training log – The Wentworth Stairs

By Heather Crochetiere, Administrative Coordinator, Strategic Partnerships and Development The climb is just over 2 weeks away! Many of you have probably already started training, perhaps by taking the stairs at work or hitting the stair climber at the gym! These are fantastic strategies, but what if you’re thinking you want to do more? Never fear! As always, we’re here to help! Team Climb-It Smart has been searching around the GTA to find the best training stairs and we’re going to pass our knowledge on to you! Follow us as we get ourselves ready for the physical test of the Canada Life CN Tower Climb! Team members present: Heather and Steph Location: Wentworth Stairs, Hamilton, ON - located at the end of Wentworth Street S at the bottom of the escarpment.

Number of Stairs: 500 Strategy: Climb up and down 4 times = 2000 stairs! Heather Hamilton has many staircases leading up the escarpment but we chose the Wentworth stairs because they’re the largest. Go big or go home right!? Likes: This is the largest staircase we’ve been able to find so far meaning we got a large number of stairs without having to spend as much time climbing down them (which gives you a bit of a break). It gave me a better idea of how to pace myself for the actual climb. If I started running at the bottom of those 500 stairs and was jelly by the top, just think how it’ll be when there’s 1776 stairs! The stairs are also surrounded by a bit of a natural area with lots of trees. It’s very pretty! Dislikes: It’s a bit far from where we are making it not the most practical for a regular training spot. Steph First stair climb of the season – always an intimidating affair. But it’s great to train with a buddy who pushes you (and commiserates). It was fun even though my quads were yelling profanities at me and my calves took their revenge for the next three days. You can do it! Likes: I felt like I was rock climbing up the escarpment and the view from the top was phenomenal. It was also motivating to share the stairs with so many active people! I was especially impressed by the woman wearing garbage bags under her sweats, walking up sideways and backwards…there’s a training tip for ya! Dislikes: The woman wearing garbage bags under her sweats, walking up sideways and backwards. I GET IT, YOU’RE MORE HARD CORE THAN ME! If you know of any other staircases in the area, post in the comments and we’ll try to check them out! (Team Climb-It Smart is the WWF-Canada staff team. It’s made up of Hadley Archer, Steph Morgan, Mike Terry, Heather Crochetiere, Jamie Joudrey, James Snider and Rebecca Spring.)

Team Climb-It Smart Training Log – Baldwin Steps

When you look up at the Baldwin St steps, the thought of making it to the top can be overwhelming. But once you make it to the top, you realize that those 110 steps were nothing!

Location: Casa Loma (Spadina and Davenport), Toronto, ON Number of stairs: 110 Strategy: Climb up and down 10 times = 1,100 steps! Heather These stairs are right in the city, making it just a short TTC trip away from the office. No excuses to skip our training when the stairs are so close and easy to get to. You also get to walk by Casa Loma, which is pretty fantastic, because let’s be honest – who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned castle? Likes: There was enough space at these stairs so you didn’t interfere with anyone else’s work out, or have them interfere with yours. Dislikes: There’s only 110 steps per climb so it means you’ve gotta climb those babies many times. Turn it into an extra challenge like we did by doing pushups, dips and crunches (or your own moves!) between each climb! Steph It seems to be a theme – where there are stairs, there are crazy-motivated people exercising on them! So again, it was encouraging to have other people around (they also make great photographers when you need a shot at the top of the stairs to send to us…). Likes: The best part is seeing the CN Tower from the top. You and me tower…challenge accepted. Dislikes: Having to go down the stairs so many times. Send us pictures of you training for the climb! And if you haven’t signed up, what are you waiting for? Also, the Climb-It Smart team loves you – show us some love by donating!

With just over a week to go before the Canada Life CN Tower climb, we thought a little fundraising and training inspiration was in order!

Earn your stripes cn tower climb fb cover

8-year old Calia is one of our most innovative fundraisers, and we checked in with her this week to share some of her best tips. http://youtu.be/RzrAiXzVtMo To support Calia’s fundraising efforts, visit her page here.

Slow and steady wins the race: tips for CN Tower climbers

By Tristan Harger-Grinling Morris, 13-year-old CN Tower Climber I have never written anything like this, so I really don't know where to start. I guess the beginning is as good a place as any, so here goes. I started climbing when I was four-and-a-half years old, but it’s been so long that neither me nor my mom really remember for sure. What I do remember is my mom saying to me “slow and steady wins the race” and that has really stuck.

Tristan and his Mom, after climbing the CN Tower in 2007.

In a way it has been a motto for my CN Tower climb history. I never raced to the top, but I always got there. In fact, I would often see some teenager running up from the bottom, only to pass them sitting five flights later, or sometimes even with the First Aid Crew. Often I will end up with a train of people following me up, not because I am slow, but because people are noticing that I have a good pace; I think. Year by year, as I have done the climb I have seen many things, and I have been pulled over once or twice for an interview by some cameraman about making the climb at the “young” age of 12 (I say 12 because that was my most recent experience). Usually the first thing they say is that they will probably not use the entire interview, and that I should not get my hopes up to be seen on TV. Then I drop the fact that I have been doing this for eight or nine years.

Tristan and his mum get ready to climb in 2009.

I used to be chasing my mom but in more recent years I have been passing her, though I always wait for her to get to the top so we can finish the climb together. I have seen people of all ages sizes and fitness levels get to the top so for anyone new to the climb who is reading this and is unsure about whether they can do it or not I will just say this: If a four year old can do it, so can you. Just like the tortoise and the hare: slow and steady wins the race. You can go to my fundraising page here.

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CN Tower climb training log – WWF-Canada office stairwell

This is likely the last team climb session before the big event! The rainy weather prevented us from going outside so we took to the stair well of our office. Location: 245 Eglinton Ave. E Number of stairs: 80 Strategy: Climb up and down as many times as you can in 20 minutes.

Heather Well this is convenient. You don’t even have to leave the building to get a great practice session in. This practice was further proof that buddies make practice sessions better. Nothing like cheering each other on to get you through the toughest parts. Likes: This is probably the closest we’ll get to simulating the actual climb as it’s an enclosed stairwell. Dislikes: I cannot BELIEVE how hot it was! And with only 4 of us climbing, I can only imagine how much worse it’s going to be in the actual tower. Rebecca I couldn’t believe how it got so hot so quickly! Made me rethink my climb attire. Mike It’s surprising how fast your feelings can change. 1 minute in: Feeling ON TOP of the world. 2 stairs at a time – BRING IT. 5 minutes in: I can do this forever! I’m such a champ. 7 minutes in: Imagine you press the gas pedal in your car, but it doesn’t speed up at all. Time for 1 stair at a time. 10 minutes in: “Easy, Mike. Slow & steady wins the race”, says James (who doesn’t AT ALL seem to be following that advice, by the way) 14 minutes in: Is that loud raspy sound my breathing? 17 minutes in: Why Mike?! Why did you think this was a good idea!!! 19 minutes in: I’m going to make it!! Stop shaking, legs! Now isn’t the time!!! 20 minutes in: I DID it!!! I’m going to CRUSH the CN Tower (slowly!!)!! Now, reflecting about an hour after climbing, I feel fantastic – so glad I did a little practice! Now I know what to expect the day of the event, and know I can make it to the top. If I can do it, you can too!! Send us pictures of you training for the climb! And if you haven’t signed up, what are you waiting for? Also, the Climb-It Smart team loves you – show us some love by donating!

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CN Tower climb training log - St. Clair Ravine

There’s nothing like a team stair climb to get you motivated. We had almost the whole team out with us and the friendly competition really pushes you harder. Location: At the end of Heath St., east of Yonge Number of stairs: 100 Strategy: Climb up and down 12 times = 1,200 steps!

Heather It’s beautiful out here! It’s like running into Narnia! Likes: Climbing with almost the whole Climb-It Smart team was a great motivator! There’s also another stair case across the ravine. If it hadn’t been so muddy we would have sprinted across and added the second stair case to the work out. Cool option for next time. Dislikes: Realizing that some of my team mates (lookin’ at you Hadley and James) have a huge advantage due to their longer legs. I wonder if stilts would help me… Steph Didn’t even notice the stairs because training as a team was so awesome – get your team (or random acquaintances that like lactic acid build-ups) together for a team practice! Likes: The ravine is COOL. Dislikes: That last 20 stairs…I swear they were bigger, farther apart, and there was possibly more gravity in that section – physicists prove me wrong, I dare you. Rebecca Great to climb outside but there is one stretch that is about 25 steps long without a landing that is killer. Makes you realize how important the landings are… Send us pictures of you training for the climb! And if you haven’t signed up, what are you waiting for? Also, the Climb-It Smart team loves you – show us some love by donating! Tags: CN Tower Climb

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First time CN Tower climber sets a high standard!

Amrita Johar is a first time climber that has totally impressed us with her enthusiasm and fundraising prowess. With the Canada Life CN Tower climb just a few days away, we asked her to weigh in and share some fundraising tips with us. Is this your first time climbing? Yes, but hopefully not the only time! What motivated you to climb the tower? It's a chance to participate in a new and exciting challenge, while supporting a worthy cause - our environment and wildlife. 2. My love for wildlife :)

Amrita has always had a love of wildlife and is excited to be able to help protect it through her CN Tower Climb fundraising efforts.

What are your top 3 fundraising tips?

Be passionate - Let potential sponsors know what motivates you and why the cause or challenge is important to you.
Challenge yourself - Set small weekly or monthly fundraising targets, and increase your target each time it is reached.
Spread the word - Personally share with close family, friends, and coworkers, and ask them to spread the word as well. Also, make use of e-mail and social media to share your fundraising page with all your online friends!

How are you training for the big day? Spending a little more time in the gym, focusing on more cardio exercises. Continuing with regular yoga practice and climbing stairs whenever possible. What part of the day are you most looking forward to? Finally reaching the top! And the giant panda bear :) To support Amrita’s fundraising efforts, visit her page here. It’s not too late to register for the climb for the Team Challenge on April 25^th or the Public Climb on April 27^th! See here for more details.

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Kids artwork for the 23rd Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb

This week, more than 5000 people will climb the CN Tower to raise money for WWF. To motivate our climbers, kids from schools across Ontario have submitted artwork that will be hung on each floor. Here's a sample of the awesome artwork we received!

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Brookfield Johnson Controls: Motivating employees to take action for conservation

Written by Wendy Ho, Guest blogger for WWF’s Living Planet @ Work Corporate green teams are often tasked with analyzing a company's internal footprint and finding ways to reduce both impacts and cost, whether it be through recycling, paper reduction or energy efficiency. Recently, we’ve started to see a shift in green team priorities. More and more, we are seeing them expand their scope of work by creating opportunities for employees to make a lasting impact and to become more actively involved. How? Through workplace giving activities and initiatives that help to give back to environmental conservation. Brookfield Johnson Controls Canada is a prime example. In their recent activation of WWF's Polar Bear Week, employees were educated on Arctic conservation issues, and had the opportunity to support WWF's critical work in this area. “Sustainability is one of our five core values,” says Sarah Jane Wolch, Living Planet @ Work champion at Brookfield Johnson Controls. She notes that “putting conservation at the forefront of people’s minds” through activities like Polar Bear Week, was the secret to their success. In just five days, they raised $721, which quadrupled to $2,884 when matched dollar-for-dollar by the company and by Coca-Cola* through an employee bake sale, raffle and documentary screening of “Chasing Ice.” Riding on the success of Polar Bear Week, the green team is busy preparing for their next environmental campaign− Earth Hour Week (March 24-28) which calls for fundraising during the days leading up to Earth Hour (March 29, 8:30-9:30 p.m.). All funds raised during company Earth Hour activities will support a critical renewable energy mapping project led by WWF and the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy. Two graduate students, along with a team of experts, are gathering and analyzing a wealth of data over the next few months. They’re working to develop a comprehensive map on an interactive platform that shows just how much accessible, reliable sources of renewable energy Canada can tap. http://youtu.be/HqRG8stU5L0 This monumental endeavour is part of WWF’s vision to help put Canada on the path to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050. By supporting this project, Brookfield Johnson Controls Canada is perfectly aligned with its focus on energy conservation; by driving initiatives undertaken within the organization and services offered to clients. Learn more about the WWF’s renewable energy mapping project here. During Earth Hour Week, Brookfield Johnson Controls’ green team has planned a week of fundraising activities including an Earth Hour themed bake sale, and raffle (back by popular demand). Brookfield Johnson Controls is participating in Living Planet @ Work’s Spring Things− a workplace campaign that aims to engage employees in fundraising for environmental conservation. Join Brookfield Johnson Controls and get involved by visiting wwf.ca/springthings. Wendy Ho is a volunteer at WWF-Canada and guest blogger for WWF’s Living Planet @ Work. She is passionate about sustainability and communications. In the past, she played the role of green champion helping to engage her colleagues in footprint reduction initiatives and generate awareness around WWF’s national mobilization campaigns.

Employees bring their passion to work for WWF

Looking out the window this morning on my bus ride to work, I marveled at how nature transitions from season to season. This year, many of us felt the effects of a harsh winter, from the ice storm to the polar vortex. The scenes of bundled up people, scurrying for warmth were common. Now, as the rain slowly washes this all away, I can only recall the winter as a fleeting moment. Cheesy as it may sound, I was distracted this winter season by the overwhelming warmth and passion of WWF’s Living Planet @ Work green champions, who through all of it, showed their unrelenting commitment to the conservation of our planet. A few months ago we launched our Arctic Home campaign to support WWF's conservation work in the Arctic. This area is facing significant changes due to climate change and melting sea ice, making the future uncertain for species that depend on the sea ice, like the polar bear. Through the harsh winter months, Living Planet @ Work champions rallied together within their companies to raise money through Polar Bear Week. This majestic species of the North was the perfect icon to educate and inspire employees about Arctic conservation. All donations raised during the week were directed to the Arctic Home campaign and matched dollar for dollar by Coca-Cola®.* In just a few weeks, champions and green teams from more than 25 companies hit the ground running. They hosted bake sales, dress down days, polar bear trivia challenges, documentary screenings, and even polar bear dips! Collectively, the Living Planet @ Work community raised over $132, 000 for WWF's Arctic conservation work. With the match by Coca-Cola,* it will be doubled to $264,000! This funding will help WWF roll out the lessons learned through its Arviat Defense program to two other Arctic communities and work with the Polar Bear Conservation Centre at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, compiling traditional knowledge from northern communities to create a map of all known polar bear denning areas in Nunavut. For more information on these projects and more, visit WWF's Arctic webpage. On behalf of the Living Planet @ Work team, I’d like to thank the employees from all the companies for helping us raise these critical funds - it COULD NOT have been done without their efforts! BAR Engineering Bentall Kennedy Brookfield Johnson Controls Bullfrog Power Carbon Neutral Shredding Company City Plastics Inc. Deloitte (Vancouver and Windsor office) Dixie Outlet Mall (Ivanhoe Cambridge) FCB Canada Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise HP Canada Hydro One (Barrie office) Lake View Credit Union Lindt & Sprüngli Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment OLG Casino Sault Ste Marie OLG Point Edward Casino Ontario Power Authority Blackberry Ltd. RSA Canada (select offices across Canada) Somerville Merchandising Staples Canada Symcor Town of Huntsville Watters Environmental Group WWF-Canada staff! Are you passionate about the planet and want to engage your colleagues in fundraising for environmental conservation? Visit, Living Planet @ Work’s Spring Things workplace giving campaign OR e-mail the team to learn more. *Coca-Cola® generously pledged to match donations dollar for dollar until March 15, 2014, to a maximum of $1 million USD (Canada and U.S. only).

Written by: David Gosse, Officer, Volunteer & Human Resources WWF-Canada wants to celebrate National Volunteer Week by thanking ALL of our wonderful and dedicated volunteers. Without their incredible support, WWF would not be able to achieve all of our conservation goals. For the past two and a half years, Anna Pyasetsky has been actively volunteering with WWF. In that time, she has volunteered on both days at our 22^nd and 23^rd Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb for WWF-Canada. Anna has already signed up to volunteer for this year’s Climb, marking her third consecutive year at the event. In addition to her participation as a Climb volunteer, Anna also volunteers in our Toronto office as a Reception and Clerical Assistant. Anna has dedicated one day a week for the past six months to this position. Beyond her regular volunteer duties, Anna has also organized two WWF events at her work: National Sweater Day and an Earth Hour - Special Customer and Staff Connection Weekend (spread over Friday March 28^th and Saturday March 29^th of this year). I recently spoke with Anna about her experiences with WWF and how she came to be a part of our Panda family: Tell us a bit about you: I was born in Moscow but I grew up in Israel. When I was around 18 years of age, I immigrated with my family to Canada. Since then, I have successfully completed my post-secondary studies at Seneca College of Applied Art and Technology; specializing in their Business-Administration and Management program. During my final year at Seneca, I was hired with TD Canada Trust. I have worked for the green bank for just over five years now as a Customer Service Representative (teller) and a Financial Services Representative (Junior Financial Advisor). Recently, I became the Green Leader of my branch which predominantly consists of implementing processes and procedures that help the branch become more energy efficient, cut costs and reduce carbon footprint and paper consumption. I have also organized special green programs and liaised with other green leaders and environmental groups and committees within the bank. In my spare time I enjoy travelling and participating in outdoor activities. I also like yoga, pilates, reading, sewing, eating out, networking, and learning new languages. (I am already fluent in Russian, Hebrew and English but I am currently studying French at the intermediate level). How did you first learn about WWF? When I was in high school in Israel, I became involved with an animal rescue and protection group which lead me to an article about WWF’s conservation efforts. What factors inspired or attracted you to volunteer at WWF: My passion for environmental protection and conservation drove me to be active and apply my leadership skills to influence change. Making a difference while learning and gaining more information about conservation has definitely made it an even more meaningful experience. Volunteering with WWF is also a great opportunity to network and examine possible career prospects in the fields of environment preservation, sustainability and conservation. What is your favourite part about being a WWF volunteer? The sense of pride that I get from being a part of such an amazing organization and the ability to interact with all the unique and wonderful staff and volunteers. What have you learned from volunteering at WWF? First, I see what makes WWF such a successful global charitable organization. Second, I learned to conduct some of the day-to-day operations at WWF. Most importantly, I learned what it is that makes me happy and where I would like to see myself in the future! (Also, I learned that we can enjoy an amazing certified organic fair-trade free cup of coffee at the lunch room). What advice would you share with others interested in volunteering? Make the most of volunteer opportunities. Take the time to get to know the people that make up the organization, what they do, how they do it and how they got to doing it. I have had the pleasure of working with Anna and I can honestly say: she is a delightful, positive, friendly and engaged volunteer who passionately supports our values and mission. We are delighted to have such an extraordinary volunteer as Anna on our team. Thank you Anna and all of our amazing volunteers here at WWF-Canada! We couldn’t do what we do without you. Happy National Volunteer Week! As a Volunteer of WWF-Canada, your time, talent and skills help conserve the diversity of life on our planet! Visit our website to get involved.

CN Tower Climb: Fundraising with your social network

Our annual CN Tower Climb (now in its 24^th year) is our most powerful fundraising event that supports our conservation efforts to help species at risk and their habitats. Whether you are a first-timer or experienced fundraiser, tapping into your social network is a great way to help you reach and exceed your fundraising goal. Here are a few quick and easy ways: Tweet Tweet! Asking for donations in 140 characters or less is simple! Send tweets every few days asking your followers to support you in the climb. Include a link to your fundraising page to make it easy for them and a short message telling them why you are climbing. Include updates on how your training is going, and recognize them by thanking them for their contributions. andrew tweet

Added Bonus! We are running a contest right now until April 24^th to help you leverage your fundraising efforts. To enter is simple: Tweet a link to your fundraising page, and tell us why you are climbing by using #Climb4WWF and you will have a chance to win a WWF adoption kit. twitter-contest---tower

Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn Most of us that use these networks, spend a lot of our day (perhaps too much) checking our newsfeeds and updates to check-in and see what our friends are up to. Update your status weekly by sharing your fundraising page link and ask your friends to support you. facebook fundraising

Ask with an e-mail Open up that address book and ask away! You have a huge network of friends, family, or co-workers at your fingertips. Send a personalized email with a link to your fundraising page explaining why this is an important cause to you, and what their support means. Remind them that as a registered charity, they will receive a charitable tax receipt for donations $20 or more. Another great tip is adding a link to your fundraising page in your email signature.

These are just a few ways to take part in social fundraising. For more fundraising tips, visit our climb website. The more you raise, the more you earn! Whether you raise $75 or $5000, we have some great prizes to reward you for your efforts, so make the most of it and have fun! Join WWF for the 24th Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb on May 1 and 3, 2014. Register. Fundraise. Climb. Protect. Earn your stripes at wwf.ca/cntower. Not in Toronto? You can still support WWF by doing the Climbless Climb!

I love the first warm days of April. The temperature is finally in the double digits, the sun is shining and nature is blossoming all around us. On my daily commute from home to the office, I notice people tend to busy themselves with their smart phones on the bus, walk in a hurry and bolt indoors. Now I’m seeing my fellow commuters looking out the window and taking in the nature all around us. Some are even skipping that bus ride for a walk instead! That might seem like a small thing but it’s important to me because it’s about reengaging with our natural environment. And even little things like choosing to walk or bike is a wonderful way to start. At WWF, April is Explore Outdoors month. So if you’re looking for ways to get outside, have some fun, support WWF, even get your hands dirty with a shoreline cleanup or two, we’ve got some ideas for you. Organize a shoreline cleanup Find a local beach, lake or any place where land meets water, and organize a cleanup with your family, friends or class. Presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is jointly organized by the Vancouver Aquarium and WWF. This is a great way to learn about how litter impacts our waters and affects the ecosystem, species and our communities. Garden for the monarch butterflies You might have seen recent news from WWF that the monarch butterfly population is in trouble. Monarch numbers have dropped dramatically in recent years partly due to the loss of habitat and reduction in milkweed (the primary source of food for monarch larvae). Plant some native milkweed seeds in your garden or backyard this weekend and check back with us in a few weeks. We’ll be sharing lots of great monarch stories and other ways you can help this species. Train for the CN Tower Climb Start doing those jump jacks and sign up today for the 24^th Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb for WWF. It’s taking place May 1^st and 3^rd in Toronto and your climb and fundraising efforts go to support our critical conservation work for species at risk and their habitats. Get a group of friends together and go to your favourite park or hiking trail to start training for the climb. And if you can’t climb the CN Tower this year, you can still train outdoors and sign up for the Climbless Climb to support WWF. Outdoor classroom fun And finally, a special note to teachers who are looking for ways to explore the outdoors with their class. Check out our new Grace 2 classroom resource Amazing Animals from our education program, Schools for a Living Planet. This unit introduces students to the diversity of wildlife and explores the similarities between humans and animals. Whatever outdoor activity you choose, remember to have fun and appreciate the beauty and bounty of your corner of Canada! Visit wwf.ca and learn more about how you can give back to nature and support WWF.

Some good things have come of this long, cold winter. Karen Van Oyen started training to climb the CN Tower back in January. Her thinking was if she was going to be stuck inside by the weather, she might as well do something useful. So she committed to raising funds for WWF-Canada’s conservation efforts by participating in the 24^th Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb. To prepare for the event, she climbs the 130 steps in her building’s stairway, and now that the weather is a bit nicer, she takes long walks with a friend. And she does this without something most of us take for granted, our unimpaired vision. Karen experiences vision loss, but she’s always wanted to do the climb anyway. She remembers seeing it televised years ago, and thinking, “I can do these things, too.” And she can. On May 3^rd, she’ll climb the equivalent of her building almost 14 times over, all the way up the tower’s 1,776 steps on one of the tallest metal staircases in the world. Karen’s goal for the climb is simply to get to the top. She says she’s happy to have a chance to participate and support WWF-Canada. Karen loves all animals and is a proud adopter of a WWF-Canada panda bear and tiger. To raise funds, she is asking friends and family to make contributions through her donations page. With all that she is contributing, she plans on benefitting from her participation in the climb, too: she is expecting a new guide dog soon, and you have to have strong legs to work with a young puppy! We’re wishing her a happy climb! We want to know why you are climbing! Tell us with a tweet using #Climb4WWF plus a link to your fundraising page before April 24th, 2014 and you could win a WWF adoption kit! Join WWF for the 24th Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb on May 1 and 3, 2014. Register. Fundraise. Climb. Protect. Earn your stripes at wwf.ca/cntower. Not in Toronto? You can still support WWF by doing the Climbless Climb!

H&M’s corporate team gears up for WWF’s 23rd Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb!

Friends that train together climb the CN Tower together

Thank you Living Planet @ Work community for supporting our Arctic Home!

A proposal at the top of the CN Tower sparks a continued tradition!

Tina Crupi and Rabeah Karram, just after climbing the CN Tower and getting engaged! ©Ken Mak, WWF-Canada

Introducing Team Climb-It Smart!

Baldly going where no climber has gone before

Team ‘Climb-It Smart’ training log – The Wentworth Stairs

Team Climb-It Smart Training Log – Baldwin Steps

Pro tips from a pint-sized climber

Slow and steady wins the race: tips for CN Tower climbers

CN Tower climb training log – WWF-Canada office stairwell

CN Tower climb training log – St. Clair Ravine

First time CN Tower climber sets a high standard!

Kids artwork for the 23rd Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb

Brookfield Johnson Controls: Motivating employees to take action for conservation

Employees bring their passion to work for WWF

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK: April 6 – 12

CN Tower Climb: Fundraising with your social network

Let’s get outside

Why I Climb for WWF: Hard Work for a Good Cause