CN Tower Climb – WWF-Canada Blog

With only eight days left until the Canada Life CN Tower climb, WWF-Canada is incredibly grateful to everyone participating and fundraising. When you climb the CN Tower and raise funds, you are supporting our work for a future where people and nature thrive. It’s not too late to register and fundraise! Sign up now and fundraise for your chance to win a lunch and urban walk with WWF-Canada’s President and CEO David Miller. More details below! This year we’re pleased to recognize three outstanding fundraisers who have raised over $500 in a week! With one week left, they let us in on their tips for supercharging their efforts

Abby Yew – Rookie Activator

First time climber and lover of anything furry, Abby Yew’s fundraising efforts have paid off! By adding her own note to her fundraising page and emails, Abby connected with her friends and gave them a personal reason to give. Thanks to her wonderful, compassionate and generous group of friends and family, Abby was able to raise over $500 in a week and is now nearing in on $1,000! Says Abby: “I am an advocate of non-profit organizations that fulfill a need that is created because of human overconsumption. I want to ensure that I leave a positive footprint!" Consider supporting Abby’s climb at her personal fundraising page.

Avneet Moondi – Passionate Competitor

This will be Avneet’s second time up the tower. Her first climb left her with a great feeling of accomplishment that she’s looking forward to again this year. Being both passionate about the environment and highly competitive, Avneet started her fundraising journey by setting her goal high to inspire support. She then emailed her friends, family and colleagues and shared how important the cause is to her; “I’m a strong believer that every little bit helps and goes a long way and I like to be able to do my part”. Consider supporting Avneet’s climb at her personal fundraising page.

Janice Shewchuk – Veteran Endurance

This will be Janice’s fifth time climbing the tower. An avid snorkeler and diver, she likes marine life - like sea turtles, dolphins and whales. Janice is motivated to fundraise and climb by WWF-Canada’s efforts to protect and preserve vulnerable places, communities and spaces. Her secret to fundraising over $500 in one week? Just asking! “I am very fortunate to have very supportive friends, family members and co-workers. I requested donations and was pleasantly surprised in their generosity.” Consider supporting Janice’s climb at her personal fundraising page. We’d like to thank Abby, Avneet and Janice for climbing and fundraising to support WWF-Canada’s conservation work. For extra motivation, check out some of our top conservation successes that the past 24 years of climbing have supported! Conversation Sucesses

Are you up for the challenge? Register now! Registration is still open and all climbers who raise more than $500 between April 17 and April 25 will be entered to win lunch and an urban walk with WWF-Canada’s President and CEO David Miller. Register now to get started working towards this great opportunity to learn more about WWF, our conservation efforts, and the urban wonderland that is Toronto.

New this year, to celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of WWF’s Canada Life CN Tower climb, WWF-Canada is introducing Platinum Panda. Looking to recognize our top fundraisers, WWF-Canada is offering a first-class climb experience all the way to the top of the tower. Fundraise over $1,000 as an Individual, or an average of $1,000 per climber across your Team, and allow us to introduce you to the Platinum Panda experience! Find out more

CN Tower Climb: A little help from some young Picassos

We are just days away from the 25^th Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb! On April 25^th and 26^th, thousands of climbers will race to the top of the CN Tower to raise money for WWF. It’s been a longstanding tradition at WWF to decorate the 147 floors of the CN Tower stairwell with some inspiring artwork from students across Southern Ontario. Thanks to Crayola Canada and Domtar, we were able to provide 10 schools with paper, paint and brushes to create some spectacular works of art. Year after year, climbers tell us how the artwork helps to get them to the top. Here are a few of the awesome masterpieces we received!

Feeling inspired to take on the challenge? Register now for the 25th Anniversary CN Tower Climb

Registration is still open and all climbers who raise more than $500 between April 17 and April 25 will be entered to win lunch and an urban walk with WWF-Canada’s President and CEO David Miller. Register now to get started working towards this great opportunity to learn more about WWF, our conservation efforts, and the urban wonderland that is Toronto.

Three fundraising strategies from three top companies!

The CN Tower Climb is less than one week away, and our Team Challenge participants are eagerly waiting to tackle the Tower’s 1,776 steps. However, going up the tower is just one part of the challenge presented to all climbers. The second part – fundraising for WWF - is what truly helps us make a difference to protect endangered species and the place they call home. These three companies have fully embraced both parts of the challenge, and are currently sitting in 5 of the CN Tower Climb’s top 10 team fundraising spots! What strategies have allowed them to be so successful? Northam Realty – Team #WETHENORTHAM Fundraising Goal: Our fundraising goal has no limit! Top Fundraising Strategy: “Using many different channels to contact our networks has been the most successful strategy for us. We reached out to friends, family and coworkers using social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, by posting on our LinkedIn page, by sending out personalized e-mails, and by asking people to donate in-person. Furthermore, we reached out to our contractors for donations, and have placed their names on the back of our t-shirts!” – Jennifer Tran, Northam Realty HP Canada - Team HP’s Tower of Power Fundraising Goal: $2,500, and we have achieved our goal after raising the bar multiple times! Top Fundraising Strategy: “Rallying around our team goal and sharing our climb story has really helped us to be successful. Our friends and family were happy to support such important conservation work, and were even happier to leave the hard stepping to the team!” – HP’s Tower of Power Team Members Bentall Kennedy - Bentall Kennedy Corporate Team Fundraising Goal: Bentall Kennedy’s Corporate Team goal is $10,000, which we have already surpassed with a week left to go! Fundraising Strategy: “A large part of what has made our top fundraisers so successful has been reaching out to our vendors through a personalized phone call or e-mail. We’ve found that many companies are willing and able to donate a larger sum than individuals, and leveraging this information has helped us to well exceed our $10,000 corporate goal much faster than we had imagined.” – Melissa Jacobs, Bentall Kennedy Through their astounding efforts, each of these teams has truly exemplified what it means to fundraise and rally for wildlife. It’s your turn to step up! Rally your team and use the tips and strategies outlined above to win some cool rewards and help lead the pack for wildlife conservation. Interested in climbing but haven’t registered yet? It’s not too late to get a team together and sign up now! Learn more about how your company can get involved with the Living Planet @ Work program and the many ways you can bring sustainability to your office and support WWF’s critical conservation work.

Sockeye salmon, British Columbia, Canada

Since the first WWF CN Tower climb in 1991, over 103,000 people have climbed 183,000,000 steps and raised millions for WWF-Canada’s conservation work, resulting in amazing conservation results. Join us this year on April 25 & 26 and help us create a future where people and nature thrive. Here are 11 success stories made possible in the last 25 years because of our dedicated supporters.

1. 1000+ protected areas across Canada (1990 – 2000)

2. White Pelican, Sea Otter, Peregrine Falcon and Swift Fox populations in recovery (1990-2009)

3. North Atlantic Right Whale, Burrowing Owl and Piping Plover populations stabilized (1990 – 2009)

4. World’s largest freshwater reserve established – Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (2003)

5. Shipping lanes in the Bay of Fundy moved to protect endangered right whales (2004)

6. The first marine protected area in Atlantic Canada established – The Gully (2004)

7. Black Footed Ferret reintroduced in Saskatchewan (2009)

8. Sustainable seafood commitment from Canada’s biggest buyer and seller of seafood – Loblaw (2009 – 2015)

9. Stringent requirements upheld for oil drilling in the Arctic (2012 – 2015)

10. Water levels and their impact on freshwater species included in BC Water Sustainability Act (2014)

11. 50 million hectres of forests certified to global FSC standard in Canada (2015)

https://youtu.be/gXtQMp1VCi4 These successes would not have been possible without our supporters. Feeling up for the physical and fundraising challenge that the CN Tower Climb offers? Register today and rally for wildlife!

Get ready, because the climb is April 25 and 26! This is an exciting year since it’s the 25^th anniversary climb. The public climb and youth climb is taking place Saturday April 25, and as a special anniversary gift to you- registration is free! Want to climb with friends or co-workers as a team? The team climb is Sunday April 26! Teams are made up of four to seven members. The Canada Life CN Tower climb is not only a fun challenge, but also a great way to bring friends and family together to help raise awareness about environmental issues in Canada and to recognize WWF’s important conservation work. So, don't delay in helping the planet…register today for a roaring good time, because space is limited! Join us in celebrating 25 fantastic years of climbing to support the conservation of species at risk and the habitats they need to thrive! For registration and more details please visit wwf.ca/cntower.

Leading the pack to WWF-Canada’s 25th Anniversary CN Tower Climb

Haley Cruse first climbed the CN Tower stairs for WWF-Canada in 1993 when her friend, a fellow marathoner, challenged her to a new fitness competition. It was just the type of challenge that Haley was looking for and she’s climbed every year since. And her children Julia (18) and Brennan (17) have joined her for the past twelve. Find out what all the fuss is about – register to join us this year for the climb! Climb day has become a family tradition that starts before sunbreak. Travelling from Barrie, ON means they’re in the car by 5 a.m. to be among the first climbers. Haley reveals that an early climb is key to a fast climb – fewer people in front of you allows for a speedier time. While before and after the event may be about family bonding, the climb itself is a no-holds-barred competition. When Julia and Brennan were younger, Haley would give them a head-start before racing up the steps behind them. These days, all three take off at the same time, racing for the top. While they all have regular climb times under 17 minutes, Haley still holds the record at 14:27! Now, Haley is quick to point out that her family might be a bit more competitive than other climbers. That’s another thing she likes about the climb – that you see people of all ages and fitness levels challenging themselves and working toward their own personal goals. Whether you climb in 15 minutes or an hour, you come out the doors of the CN Tower feeling satisfied and accomplished. Looking back to Haley’s first climb, her participation and fundraising that year supported a momentous milestone for habitats and wildlife in Canada – the founding of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in Toronto – which has now grown into a recognized forestry stewardship program that has certified over 50 million hectares in Canada. This conservation success is just one of many that Haley and her kids have supported over their years of climbing. Thank you to the Cruse family for your years of dedication! We hope you have a great climb again this year at our 25^th Anniversary CN Tower climb. lion1

Show your pride. It’s time to fundraise and rally for wildlife. Join WWF-Canada on April 25 & 26 in celebrating the 25^th Anniversary of the Canada Life CN Tower Climb and help protect species at risk, and the critical habitats they need to survive. There’s never been a better time to lead the pack for wildlife conservation. Visit wwf.ca/cntower to register!

Toronto Argonaut James Yurichuk climbs for WWF

Written by James Yurichuk, Linebacker with the Toronto Argonauts and Animal Backer with Mammoth Outerwear I’m James Yurichuk, professional football player in the Canadian Football League and fourth generation resident of Toronto. While I am more commonly known for my role as a Toronto Argonauts Linebacker, off the field I am passionate about being a wildlife/environmental backer. I grew up in Brampton in a household where recycling, respecting nature and wildlife have always been a big deal. Today, I live in Toronto and the environmentally conscious attitude my family instilled in me still burns strong. I’ve always tried the to do little things around my house such as recycling and composting to help the environment but in 2015, I made the decision that I wanted to do more. This Saturday, I will be participating in WWF’s CN Tower Climb in an attempt to ‘step up’ my game, literally. WWF is an organization that I have admired for a long time and I jumped at the opportunity to get involved with their cause. While supporting WWF is the main reason I will be taking on this physical challenge, there is also another motivation that is calling me to conquer the CN Tower. I love Toronto and there isn’t a day that goes by where I fail to see the tower that soars above the stunning skyline of our great city. Whether it’s a walk to the coffee shop, scrolling through social media or looking up on game day at the Rogers Centre, I am seeing the 553 metre symbol of our city. Although I am unavoidably and gladly exposed to the CN Tower in all these settings, I am yet to build a connection with it. I will take care of that on Saturday. It won’t be long before I can look at the CN Tower and everyday be reminded of my great feat. I wear my environmentalist principles proudly. I researched Environmental Studies at Bishop’s University and have launched a sustainable start-up called Mammoth Outerwear. Made in Canada, Mammoth Outerwear aims to protect people from the cold and wildlife from fashion through our animal free, environmentally friendly jacket line that will launch through a kickstart campaign on the first day of Fall, 2015. Stay tuned! We all need to be doing what we can in our own lives to protect the environment. And it’s the least I can do to spend a morning helping to support the important conservation work that’s happening across the country. Beyond the environmental efforts and the challenge of climbing the CN Tower, I’ve heard from a number of my teammates how much they’ve enjoyed taking part in the past. This included one gentleman, Joe Eppele, who has climbed multiple times. I am looking for climb attire suggestions to make this trek a memorable one (of course keeping in mind the hands free policy). Feel free to tweet your fashion suggestions to me @YungYuri #CNTowerClimb. Winner will get an autographed picture with 2 tickets to Argos home opener under the CN Tower that will help relive the experience of their climb. More importantly - I also encourage you to donate to my WWF CN Tower Climb fundraising here and help to support the work of WWF-Canada. So this Saturday, I’m excited to be checking an item off my bucket list and support a great organization and cause at the same time. Come join me in reaching our destination where we can deservedly participate the singing of Drake’s, “Started from the bottom now I’m here” all while overlooking the 6ix! Bring your family, colleagues, friends and let's make this climb one for the ages! See You At The Top! James Yurichuk #47 Toronto Argonauts james@mammothouterwear.com Visit My fundraising page

Climb the CN Tower for a chance to win a wildlife trip of a lifetime

WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature is coming April 16 and 17, 2016. Register and fundraise $500 by March 31 to qualify for a trip to Haida Gwaii to see humpback and orca whales in their natural habitat. Kalistra Roopchan lives in Oshawa and has been a long-time fan of wildlife and WWF. This year, she decided to challenge herself by climbing the 1,776 stairs of the CN Tower and fundraising $1,000 to support WWF’s conservation work. She is already more than three-quarters of the way to her goal and because of her early fundraising skills, she qualified for and won WWF’s CN Tower Climb Early Bird Prize – a trip for two to Churchill, Manitoba to see polar bears in the wild. “This is my first year climbing and I decided to do it to challenge myself and support WWF at the same time,” she said. “When I found out that I had won the trip to Churchill, I was shocked. I never actually thought that I would win, and I’m so excited for the entire experience.” This year, WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature is offering you the chance to cross multiple items off your bucket list. Participants will get a unique perspective from Canada’s iconic tower, and for every $500 they raise, they receive a chance to win the trip of a lifetime to Haida Gwaii on B.C.’s north coast. Since the CN Tower Climb for WWF began in 1991, more than 103,000 people have taken the 1,776 stairs to raise millions for WWF’s conservation work. It’s not too late to register and fundraise and qualify for some amazing prizes. Accept the challenge and sign up today.

You’ll question your own limits after reading this man’s CN Tower climb story

When Julian Backhouse ascends the CN Tower in April, he’ll send his wheelchair up the elevator and climb the 1,776 steps to the top. The 63-year-old grandfather of four from Mississauga, Ont., has Wilson’s Disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects his physical strength and coordination. Despite using a wheelchair to get around most of the time, he scaled the tower for the first time last year and raised more than $1,000 as part of WWF's CN Tower Climb for Nature. This year, his goal is to raise $2,000 in donations. Here’s how he’ll do it, and why. Sign up here to do it too. WWF: How are you able to climb unassisted? J.B.: When I tell people I climbed the CN Tower, they ask: “Why do you need a wheelchair then?” I am still trying to shake the effects of Wilson’s disease, which had me bedridden and in and out of hospital, rehab and nursing home care from 2008 to 2010. Now I shuffle when I walk and find flat land more difficult. I feel like my feet are glued to the ground and I tend to rush and trip up a lot. But walking up stairs for some reason seems to trigger my movement. WWF: What is the biggest challenge? J.B.: I honestly thought I was going to be in there for four hours last year. That was my biggest fear. There was a mental barrier I had to break through. It was like climbing Mount Everest. But I am competitive. I used to be very athletic so that is why this climb is perfect for me. It’s something I can do that is physical. But the climb now, with the effects of Wilson’s Disease, is very humbling for me. WWF: How did you train? J.B.: I live in a condo with 10 flights of stairs. Going up 10 times is equal to climbing the CN Tower. I started training three months before and would go up twice a day, three times a week. Closer to the event, I’d go up five times. WWF: What surprised you about the climb? J.B.: I was prepared to take a flashlight because I thought I would be in there all day. But it was a lot easier than I thought. There is a landing at every flight of stairs. So every 12 steps you can take a rest, go to the side and let people pass. I have long arms so I used the rails to help and people would pass under my arms. Last year it took me 1 hour 16 minutes. WWF: Why climb for WWF? J.B.: WWF makes the event accessible to everyone and that is what convinced me. Because I raised $1,000 and reached Platinum Panda status, they really took care of me. And I like how they take care of the environment for the long term. It’s a good feeling doing something positive for the world.

Inspired by Julian? Join him at this year’s CN Tower Climb for Nature! As a special bonus, all climbers will receive a free ticket to the Green Living Show.

This secret ingredient allowed one company to unlock the green power of its workforce

Green team leaders in the workplace can make a world of difference by championing sustainability. And there’s an extra impact when the CEO gets involved in those efforts. Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions is proof of that. Since 2013, the crackerjack combo of CEO Gord Hicks and Green Team co-ordinator Sarah Jane Wolch have made this real-estate management company an environmental leader. Thanks to the duo’s efforts, Brookfield employees have braved frigid waters and scaled the CN Tower, raising thousands of dollars for WWF-Canada’s conservation work. They have also cleaned up beaches, shrunk Brookfield’s carbon footprint and more. Those achievements earned Brookfield the title of 2014 Living Planet @ Work Green Team of the Year.

Inspired? Gather your own gang and join the Brookfield team at WWF’s CN Tower Climb or our all-new River Quest Canoe Challenge.

While Wolch handles the nitty-gritty of organizing events, Hicks ensures everyone in the company knows about them. Instead of sitting back, this hands-on CEO gets busy selling raffle tickets, sharing conservation tips and leading the charge up the CN Tower. In a company with more than 3,500 employees from coast to coast, the head honcho’s commitment makes a big impact. “Without his buy-in, his vision, a lot of this wouldn’t be possible,” Wolch says. “I wouldn’t have the tools that I need to be successful in running these programs.” Hicks’s motivation is simple. “I am personally committed to preserving the environment for future generations,” he explains. “And I believe the best way to get others engaged is through visible action and conversation.” From payroll clerks to project managers, there’s plenty of passion for sustainability on his team. Wolch works with a group of dedicated volunteers across the country to help staff reduce their environmental impact outside the office as well as at work. With this year’s Spring Things fundraising campaign for WWF now underway, Brookfield’s dynamic duo are shifting into high gear. Hicks is getting ready to lead a contingent up the 1,776 stairs of the CN Tower in April. At the same time, Wolch and her Green Team members are hammering out logistics for events like the River Quest Canoe Challenge in Laval, Quebec., in June. If the past is any indication, this dream team’s winning formula will once again deliver big results.

Don’t bother signing up for WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature this April 16 and 17. Here’s 15 reasons why not.

#15 The view from the top is boring. Yawn.

#14 Climbing one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World is so overrated.

#13 Don’t bother. Only high-level athletes succeed in climbing the 1,776 steps.

#12 And climbing 144 flights of stairs will definitely not make you any fitter.

#11 Really, why raise funds to protect the environment from the effects of climate change? The Canadian Arctic will sort itself out.

#10 And don’t worry about those most affected by melting sea ice. The mighty polar bear can handle less habitat.

#9 Raising funds to save tigers’ habitat can wait until next year. Only 93 per cent of their historic habitat has been destroyed.

#8 There is nothing in it for you either. No one likes winning prizes like these. Who would ever want to visit Haida Gwaii in northern British Columbia?

#7 It’s no fun indulging in friendly competition to inspire workplace giving with the team challenge.

#6 Who cares about Monday morning bragging rights.

#5 Even if you wanted to climb, the stairwells are crowded and dark.

#4 Your friends would never join you.

#3 You’ll be all alone and likely the last one to reach the top.

#2 Bucket list you say? Who cares how fast you climbed.

#1 There is absolutely nothing to celebrate when you reach the top.

Okay, so maybe there are a few reasons why the climb is worth doing. Need another? As a special bonus, all climbers will receive a free ticket to the Green Living Show. Register today.

WWF’s youngest supporters come out of the water and straight up the CN Tower

HP Inc. is fostering the next generation of sustainability leaders by encouraging their youngest employees, family and friends to take action to help protect wildlife and wild places. Last month, four keen and enthusiastic youths from the extended HP Inc. family conquered Lake Ontario’s frigid waters for WWF’s annual Polar Dip. Having barely warmed up, they’re already setting their sights on an even bigger challenge: climbing Toronto’s tallest landmark at WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature on April 17. Who are these brave young folks? Let's meet them.

Faisal Hussein, 13

Having set the record for the youngest dipper to date, Faisal has made supporters proud by taking on the Polar Dip – but he’s not stopping there. The 13-year-old is extremely excited to climb to new heights on April 17th, and set more records while he’s at it!

Kokeb Abdul Qader, 15

Kokeb shared that it was her mom, Frances Edmonds – veteran dipper and HP Canada’s Head of Sustainability – who motivated her to join this year’s Polar Dip. Now, she’s ready to follow in her mom’s footsteps and up the 1,776 steps to the top of the CN Tower. Like mother, like daughter!

Francesca Pensa-Stewart, 15

Francesca had always wanted to do the Dip, and was glad when she got to cross it off her bucket list. This April, she’ll be able to accomplish yet another feat: scaling the CN Tower. Francesca was able to spark significant interest around nature conservation from her schoolmates by fundraising for her Polar Dip, and she’s hoping her efforts for the Climb will do just the same.

Gabrielle Olliverre – intern at HP Inc. and native Trinidadian

Having lived on a warm Caribbean island for most of her life, jumping into a freezing lake is something Gabrielle never thought she would do – let alone of her own volition. But as an environmentalist at heart, she feels the need to protect this country’s exquisite natural beauty, and is willing to take action for this worthy cause. That’s why she is zealous to take on another challenge to support nature, by climbing the CN Tower for WWF! Inspired by this next generation of sustainability champions? Join them at this year’s CN Tower Climb for Nature! As a special bonus, all climbers will receive a free ticket to the Green Living Show.

Meet the people who make the CN Tower Climb work

More than 400 volunteers help make this weekend’s CN Tower Climb for Nature run smoothly. Here are just a few them. TELUS is proud to be the presenting sponsor of WWF's volunteering program, championing passionate and hardworking conservation volunteers for the future.

Jocelyn Cerezo

Every year, the self-described volunteer addict rallies her friends and family to help distribute T-shirts, finishing times and huge congrats to those who participate in WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature, this year taking place on April 16 and 17. The excitement is contagious. But the best part of her day is volunteering as a family. “Children watch everything you do,” she says. “By giving back to the community, you show them first-hand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help others.” For Jocelyn, that is worth getting the family up at 5 a.m. on the weekend.

Mike Cole

When registration opens at 6 a.m. on April 16 and 17, 2016, Mike and his dedicated team will be tasked with collecting the donations participants have received for WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature. It was a passion for the environment that got him involved with WWF-Canada 11 years ago, and he’s been volunteering at the climb ever since. “My favourite part of the day is the energy,” he says. That momentum drives him through the morning, and once the contributions are collected and counted, it is his turn to hit the steps up the tower. This year is Mike’s ninth climb.

Alice Bao

Alice is team captain this year for her company's climb. It's her second trek to the top, but she'll join the WWF team the day before to help welcome and register volunteers. “Lending energy and time to value-driven initiatives is very important to me. It's the feeling of being part of something bigger.” Alice also volunteers with her “Panda Family” by calling past climbers to remind them about the event. The Climb for Nature lets her reconnect in person with those who share the same passion for WWF's conservation efforts. “Making these connections is rare and it's powerful.” Correction: Mike Cole's surname was misspelled in an earlier version of this blog post.

Nine must-see highlights from WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature

More than 7,000 people registered to take Toronto’s tallest challenge and climb the 1,776 steps of Toronto’s most-famous landmark in WWF-Canada’s CN Tower Climb for Nature last weekend. This annual event, now in its 26th year, raised more than $1-million to support WWF-Canada’s conservation work. Here are nine must-see highlights from the weekend.

1. Fastest climb time: 10:54

2. Total raised: $1,196,626 and climbing!

3. Climbing Powerhouses: This year was our biggest ever with 7,234 registered climbers over Saturday and Sunday

4. Volunteer Superheroes: The 350+ volunteers, proudly sponsored by TELUS as part of WWF’s volunteer program, kept everything moving smoothly. This event would not be possible without their passion, dedication and professionalism.

5. Top fundraising teams: In the tightest race for top fundraising team that we’ve ever seen, Bentall Kennedy ($19,623) edged out Brookfield GIS ($16,571).

6. Corporate sustainability leadership: 46 Living Planet at Work teams collectively raised over $150,000

7. Most inspiring climber: Julian Backhouse, a 63-year-old-grandfather who uses a wheelchair, climbed the tower in one hour and eight minutes. Read this to learn how he does it.

8. Sweatiest summit: Members of Toronto Fire Services Local 3888 who climbed in bunker pants that weighed up to 20 lbs and aren’t breathable

9. Conservation leader of tomorrow: Ben Stewart, 9, raised $520 for conservation and won the Adventure Canada trip to Haida Gwaii for early-bird fundraisers.

A big thank you to our climbers, volunteers and donors that supported this event. Our work would not be possible without you. We hope you had as much fun as we did. Relive more exciting moments from the day by checking out more photos here. A very special thanks to these sponsors for helping make the climb happen: climbsponsors

and prize sponsors MIDO, Fairmont Royal York, and Le Select Bistro.

Powered by passion: Corporate Canada dips, climbs and paddles to protect nature

They swam. They climbed. They paddled. And in the process, employees from 46 companies raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars for WWF-Canada’s conservation work in this year’s Spring Things campaign. Leading the pack was Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), whose team members raised more than $30,000. Together they tackled the Polar Dip, CN Tower Climb for Nature and our inaugural Canoe Challenge with gusto, inspired by enthusiastic senior leaders like CFO Linda Sampson.

“Spring Things is such a fantastic way for HPE to show our company pride, get our employees excited and make a difference for conservation,” Sampson says. That kind of commitment to conservation runs deep at HPE. “It really started because our employees are so passionate about it,” says Gillian Hrycko, HPE Canada’s environmental programs manager. And it shows no sign of abating: A recent internal survey revealed that 98 per cent of employees want the company to continue championing sustainability initiatives like WWF-Canada’s Spring Things campaign. Being a competitive bunch doesn’t hurt either. With dozens of rivals – including Coca-Cola Canada (whose new CEO, Christian Polge, embraced the polar dip), Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions (who mustered a company record of 52 participants for the climb) and Bentall Kennedy (the top climb team challenge fundraiser for the second year in a row) – HPE employees rose to the challenge. They raised even more money, climbed faster and paddled harder. The newest Spring Things event, the Canoe Challenge in Laval, Que., proved to be a big hit. Armed with paddling tips from Olympic canoeist Gabriel Beauchesne-Sévigny, corporate teams piled into 10-person canoes to race around the islands of Parc de la Rivière des Milles Îles on a conservation-themed scavenger hunt. Participants connected with each other – and with nature – in this exhilarating event. The Canoe Challenge attracted companies with a strong presence in Quebec, including BMO and BNP Paribas, to the Spring Things campaign for the first time. “There’s something really Canadian about canoeing and being on our rivers. And to get to do it as part of your work day? Amazing! It gives people the chance to appreciate nature when they’d normally be in the office – and it’s a great team-building exercise,” says Adrienne Lo, who heads up WWF-Canada’s Living Planet @ Work program. Whether it’s rookie canoeists learning to paddle in unison, tuckered-out climbers exchanging high fives at the top of the CN Tower or a co-op student having a casual conversation with the company’s CFO before jumping in an icy lake, Spring Things has a way of bringing employee groups closer together. For HPE’s Hrycko, that team-building aspect is one of the best parts of the campaign. “[It] has been very powerful in terms of employee engagement and morale,” she says. Brookfield President Gordon Hicks agrees. “Every year, we see more employees getting involved and more funds raised. This was our best year yet.” WWF-Canada thanks all 2016 Spring Things teams: Your passion for conservation made this year’s campaign an even bigger success. Both HPE and HP Canada get a special salute for completing the full Spring Things trifecta, and the amazing members of our Spring Things leadership committee are worthy of a shout-out all their own:

Rudi Blatter, president and CEO of Lindt & Sprungli (Canada)
Gordon Hicks, president of Brookfield GIS
Brad Nathan, president of Lynx Equity
Allister Paterson, president of Canada Steamship Lines
Christian Polge, president of Coca-Cola Canada
Linda Sampson, CFO of HPE Canada
Stuart Wanlin, executive vice-president of Bentall Kennedy

See you in 2017! Interested in organizing environmental employee engagement and fundraising activities for nature conservation? Join Living Planet @ Work and get free access to ideas and resources, as well as information on getting involved in Springs Things 2017. Visit: atwork.wwf.ca

5 reasons to resolve to climb the CN Tower

WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature is great for cardio and your quads — and helps wildlife and habitats across Canada. Not convinced? Here are five reasons to add Toronto’s tallest challenge to your New Year’s resolutions.

1. Get your fitness on track

Committing to climb the CN Tower is powerful motivation to start a new workout routine. While it may seem like a lofty goal for non-athletes, people of all ages and abilities make it to the top. You can, too. (Don’t believe us? Read Julian Backhouse’s story.)

2. Earn ultimate bragging rights

Athletes, first responders and fitness enthusiasts looking for a more competitive experience can join WWF-Canada’s first-ever Elite Climb. Will you claim the First Up the Tower title? The time to beat is 7 minutes, 52 seconds.

3. Set a family fitness goal

Every year families train and climb together, with kids racing their parents up all 1,776 steps.

4. Impress your boss and bond with colleagues

Past corporate teams can tell you about the special excitement generated when co-workers come together for the environment. The matching t-shirts and friendly competition is great for team-building. And when executives get involved, it takes it to the next level.

5. Make a difference for wildlife

Last year, nearly 7,000 people registered for the CN Tower Climb for Nature, taking a combined 12,432,000 steps to raise more than $1.2 million for WWF-Canada’s conservation efforts. This support was vital to helping wild tiger populations rise for the first time in 2016 and advocating for the protection of caribou calving grounds in Canada’s Arctic. Climb it for change, because that’s what the New Year is all about. Register now for the Public Climb (Saturday April 8) or the Ultimate Climb Challenge (Sunday April 9). Those who sign-up and start fundraising early can win a Newfoundland and Labrador cruise trip for two, valued at $27,000, donated by Adventure Canada. Earn one ballot for every $500 raised by Jan. 31, 2017.

The countdown to Spring Things 2017 is on

Though winter has barely begun, WWF-Canada’s Living Planet @ Work team is already planning the 2017 edition of Spring Things: Our workplace-engagement fundraising campaign that challenges executives and employees alike to dive in, step up and paddle to the finish for conservation. In 2016, 46 companies took part, raising nearly $250,000 to help WWF-Canada protect Canada’s magnificent species and habitats. Here’s why these funds are important. WWF’s 2016 Living Planet Report shows bleak numbers on the health of the planet. Global wildlife populations have plummeted by 58 per cent since 1970. Though Canadians value our country’s natural riches and wildlife, only three per cent of charitable giving in Canada goes to conservation. That’s why we’re setting our targets for Spring Things 2017 higher than ever. Our goal is to engage 75 companies in our Polar Dip, CN Tower Climb and River Quest Canoe Challenge and raise $300,000 to do even more for nature and wildlife in Canada. Before the official campaign launch, we sat down for a quick Q&A with Adrienne Lo, head of the LP@W program. Q: What do you love most about Spring Things? A: It’s amazing to see co-workers come together for the environment. There’s so much excitement and energy. You can see there’s something special happening here. And then when you have executives join in, that takes it to the next level – like when Coke’s CEO Christian Polge jumped into Lake Ontario twice in February because they didn’t get a good photo of him the first time, or when Linda Sampson, HPE’s chief financial officer, boosted donations by donning a tutu for her dip. It creates this sense of camaraderie. https://youtu.be/9ip2i_e-NqA It was also amazing to see Brookfield GIS’s CEO Gord Hicks rally 52 employees for the CN Tower Climb. And the team-building aspect of the Canoe Challenge impressed me. From the shore, you could hear each group of paddlers chanting together to maintain their rhythm. Q: For first-timers, organizing a workplace fundraiser can be intimidating. A: We offer three events, but you don’t have to do them all. Pick the one that’s best for you and rally around that. If you want to add more, great. The LP@W team and I are here to help at every step. And of course, you’ll find great resources for each event on the Spring Things website. Q: Don’t you have to be a bit crazy to climb the CN Tower or jump into Lake Ontario in the middle of winter? A: You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to do the climb. Some people race to the top in 15 minutes, but you can make it much more leisurely if you want – like I do. Children do the climb with their families and first-time climbers of all ages and abilities make it to the top. The polar dip is just a split second: You’re in and out. And it’s so exhilarating you don’t actually feel the cold. It’s totally doable and super fun. Plus, you get some serious bragging rights. Q: Anything new and exciting for 2017? A: David Miller, WWF-Canada’s president and CEO David Miller, is a lifelong athlete, playing competitive rugby since childhood. But surgery for a knee injury kept him from climbing the CN Tower last year. This year he’s working with a trainer and raring to go. So we’re looking forward to some great rivalry with other leaders. Be part of the excitement. Dive in, step up and paddle to the finish to protect Canada’s magnificent species and habitats. The Polar Dip (Toronto, February 28) Plunge into Lake Ontario to protect pristine and iconic Arctic regions and animals (tutus optional). The CN Tower Climb for Nature (Toronto, April 9) Conquer the CN Tower’s 1,776 steps. The River Quest Canoe Challenge (Montreal, June 14) Raise funds for freshwater conservation and compete against other companies in this water-based scavenger hunt. For all the details, visit our campaign page. Living Planet @ Work championed by RSA Canada empowers environmentally minded employees to lead sustainable change at work. Today, over 1,300 champions from more than 950 companies are leveraging the program and taking action for the good of business and the planet. Learn more about Living Planet @ Work, or become a champion by visiting wwf.ca/atwork

Five reasons to participate in Spring Things 2015

Spring Things is Canada’s newest and most exciting workplace campaign that calls on companies and passionate environmental champions to raise awareness and funds for WWF's work to conserve nature, critical species and habitats. The campaign, brought to you by WWF’s Living Planet @ Work championed by HP program, runs from February 23 until April 26 and consists of three activities to rally your colleagues around: Polar Bear Week, Canada Water Week and the 25th Annual CN Tower Climb! Here are 5 reasons why your company and colleagues should participate in Spring Things this year:

1) You'll have the chance to give back to important WWF conservation work like research that will ultimately protect Arctic ecosystems and people. Last year, employees rallied around Spring Things and helped raise $400,000 for WWF.

2) You can get involved in tons of fun activities and events, including a polar dip!

3) It's a great team building activity and will help foster employee engagement at work.

4) Who doesn't want to climb 144 flights of stairs for WWF's 25th CN Tower Climb Anniversary?

5) You will have an awesome WWF Spring Things support team to help you.

Do you and your colleagues want to get involved in Spring Things? Check out our Spring Things page for toolkits, photos, stories, ideas and more!

Don’t bother signing up for WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature this April 8 and 9. Here’s 14 reasons why not.

#14 The view from the top is boring. Yawn.

#13 Climbing one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World is so overrated.

#12 Don’t bother. Only high-level athletes succeed in climbing the 1,776 steps.

#11 And climbing 144 flights of stairs will definitely not make you any fitter.

#10 Really, why raise funds to protect the environment from the effects of climate change? The Canadian Arctic will sort itself out.

#9 And don’t worry about those most affected by melting sea ice. The mighty polar bear can handle less habitat.

#8 Raising funds to save tigers’ habitat can wait until next year. Only 93 per cent of their historic habitat has been destroyed.

#7 It’s no fun indulging in friendly competition to inspire workplace giving with the team challenge.

#6 Who cares about Monday morning bragging rights.

#5 Even if you wanted to climb, the stairwells are crowded and dark.

#4 Your friends would never join you.

#3 You’ll be all alone and likely the last one to reach the top.

#2 Bucket list you say? Who cares how fast you climbed.

#1 There is absolutely nothing to celebrate when you reach the top.

Okay, so maybe there are a few reasons why the climb is worth doing. Register today.

A climb high that only teams feel. Veterans explain.

Join us on April 8 and 9 for WWF’s CN Tower Climb for Nature. By taking on Toronto’s tallest challenge, you’re taking 1,776 meaningful steps towards a future where wildlife, nature and people thrive. Climbing 1,776 steps up the CN Tower is impressive. Now imagine doing it for the 10th time. On April 9, veteran climber Scott Allen will complete his 10th ascent in support of WWF-Canada, attempting to beat his personal record of 16 minutes and 19 seconds. As a runner, cyclist and ultimate frisbee enthusiast, the service management analyst at Sun Life Financial loves a good challenge. So when colleagues invited him to join their CN Tower Climb team in 2005, they didn’t have to ask twice. This year, he and colleagues from Sun Life Financial’s Waterloo and Toronto offices – including senior systems analyst Rob Wright, who has been part of the squad since 2009 – have once again formed the “Quads of Fire” team. While Allen is keen to improve his individual time, Wright enjoys the chance to connect with coworkers. Tackling the tower together creates a group bond, with speedier members gathering at the top to cheer their teammates over the finish line. For them, the event is about more than fitness, more than corporate spirit. It’s a chance to support an important cause. “Protecting the environment is a big part of our sustainability strategy at Sun Life, and something, as employees, we’re all passionate about,” Wright says. And at the end of the day, Wright also gets to make his eco-passionate daughter proud. “Everything that I do that is helping the environment, is helping animals, is helping nature – my daughter is just all over it,” he says. Between 2009 and 2016, Quads of Fire has raised $27,000 for conservation. Over the years, Allen has personally raised more than $8,300 by selling cupcakes, raffling off polar bear stuffies and sending well-timed e-blasts to his co-workers, inviting them to make a donation. “This is a cause that people really like to contribute to,” he says. Meanwhile, Wright has become an expert at recruiting fellow climbers, telling his colleagues “If I can do it, you can do it.” Over the years, he has persuaded a broad array of Sun Lifers to join him, including members of senior management. The keys to recruiting, he says, are starting early, putting up plenty of posters and personally inviting colleagues to take up the challenge. This year, he’s also arranging a visit from the WWF Panda to generate extra interest. Whatever it takes to get there, both agree helping polar bears and other wildlife while giving their quads a demanding workout, building camaraderie and earning eco-bragging rights makes it all worth it. Inspired to climb? It’s not too late to pull together your own team. Sign up today.