WWF CN Tower Climb record holder Shaun Stephens-Whale is here to tell you that anyone can make it to the top of the tower with some preparation. He set the pace at the last year’s CN Tower Climb for Nature, tackling the 1,776 steps in 9 minutes and 54.9 seconds. With records also set at buildings in Las Vegas, Seattle and Vancouver, it’s hard to believe Stephens-Whale wasn’t always so fast.

Here’s how you can get fitter and faster for the return of WWF’s CN Tower Climb on April 7 and 8. For more climb tips, Shaun recommends this 10-week training program.

Were you always so fast?

My first ever climb was at the Climb the Wall event at the Sheraton Wall Centre in 2003. Being competitive in nature, I took off in a flat-out sprint and got to the half-way mark absolutely spent. I still ended up finishing in the top 10; it was a humbling and character-building experience.

How does your current training regime compare to when you first started?

I lived in an isolated community on the Sunshine Coast and could only access tall buildings by taking the ferry into Vancouver. So, I improvised. With my dad lounging on the couch with stop watch in hand, I would sprint up and down the single flight of stairs 50 times as quickly as possible. As time went by, running up one flight turned into sprinting up a 30-storey high rise to interval training up 60 to 70 floor skyscrapers. One thing hasn’t changed, of all the different types of training I do, nothing prepares me better than stairs.

What advice would you give a novice climber?

Success is defined by your effort and not by your time. The most important thing to remember is not to start out too fast, maintain a comfortable pace and take rests when you need to – the finish line isn’t going anywhere.

What is your strategy once you are inside the tower?

I take the steps two at a time – it cuts the number of steps in half to reach the top quicker. By incorporating the handrails, you can engage the core, biceps, triceps and back muscles and it saves a lot on the legs.

Do you have a favourite place to train in nature?

I was raised running on the gnarly, undulating, single-track trails of British Columbia. Anytime I’m outside exploring new trails I’m happy.

When training last spring, you had a close encounter with a bear. Tell us about that.

I was running a single-track trail and saw an adolescent black bear sauntering towards me. Encountering bears is not a rare event, and having been in similar circumstances before, knew that black bears are usually docile creatures. Quickly, I slipped into the woods to get out of its way only to realize it was now crashing through the thick brush towards me, eventually getting right behind me and swatting me on the thigh.

I realized my best shot was to fight back. I turned around to face the bear and immediately tripped on a root. Sprawled on my back, I desperately grabbed a stick and swatted it on the nose. It backed off, giving me enough time to get up and make my way back to the trail. The battle wasn’t over though. I yelled and made myself as big as possible, brandishing my stick and throwing rocks every time it got close. After about 15 minutes, the bear abated and I made it to safety with a bloody nose and a few broken ribs.

Below is video from a slightly less harrowing encounter Shaun had with bear on a B.C. trail. Watch closely to see the bear at 3:11, before Shaun takes off.

What are you most afraid of in the urban environment?

Fortunately for us, stairwells make poor environments for large predatory creatures.

You’ve climbed some of the tallest buildings in the world including the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building and Etihad Towers. How does the CN Tower compare?

The CN tower is certainly a long stairwell but it isn’t as strenuous as some buildings. Each flight of stairs is relatively short – around ten steps – and the height of each step isn’t that steep. This reduces the load on the quadriceps and allows for moments of respite on the landings.

How would you describe the feeling once you reach the top?

The euphoria and rush of endorphins along with the sense of accomplishment and stunning views always bring me back for more.

Register today to get a head start on your climb training (see Shaun’s 10-week program) and fundraising. For every $500 you raise before Feb. 15, you earn one bollet for a chance to win a trip to Churchill, Manitoba. 

Every year, thousands of people of all ages and fitness levels ascend the CN Tower to raise funds for wildlife. The average climber reaches the top in 30-40 minutes. Whether you’ve never climbed or are looking to shave minutes off your time, WWF CN Tower climb record holder Shaun Stephens-Whale – at 9 minutes, 54.9 seconds – recommends this 10-week training program to help you reach your climb goals.

Register and start training now for WWF’s CN Tower Climb this April 7 and 8.

Some tips before you get started:

• Set a realistic race-pace goal (this is the time you want to take to reach the top). The CN Tower’s 1,776 steps are equivalent to about 100 floors in most buildings. So, if your race pace is 30 minutes, train to complete 10 floors in 3 minutes.
• Always warm up before training and don’t forget to cool down.
• For stair workouts, it’s best if you have access to a building with at least 20 floors. If you don’t, the stepper at the gym is a great substitute.
• If you plan to take the CN Tower steps two at a time, incorporate a combination of double and single steps into you training.
• One final piece of advice: If possible, take the elevator back down.

Week 1
2 cardio days
Stair climb challenge: Ascend as many floors as you can in 10 minutes.

Week 2
2 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Climb one floor and take a short break. Climb two floors and break, and so on. Add a floor between breaks each time until you’ve climbed as high as you can in 10 minutes.

Week 3
2 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Ascend 10 floors at your race pace. Repeat three times.

Week 4
3 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Climb one floor at your race-pace and one floor at a recovery pace. Complete this interval 20 times.

Week 5 
3 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Climb 10 floors and take a short break. Climb nine floors and break. Repeat taking one less floor each time until you finish a single floor.

Week 6 
3 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Take on as many floors as you can climb in 15 minutes.

Week 7 
3 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Climb 15 floors at your race pace. Repeat three times with rest between sets.

Week 8 
3 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Ascend as many floors as you can climb in 20 minutes.

Week 9
3 cardio days |1 strength day
Stair climb challenge 1: Climb 10 floors at above race pace. Repeat four times.
Stair climb challenge 2: 100 floors

Week 10 
4 cardio days
Stair climb challenge 2: Climb 20 floors at race-pace. Repeat three times.

April 7 or 8
WWF-Canada CN Tower Climb for Nature

Read more about Shaun Stephens-Whale’s advice for first-time climbers. And if you think you have what it takes to reach the top in under 15 minutes – or rival Shaun’s time— sign up for the Elite Challenge.

These natural-born climbers can scale the tallest trees and highest peaks with ease. Despite their resilience, they face steep threats to their habitat. You can reach new heights for their conservation with World Wildlife Fund’s CN Tower Climb for Nature on April 7 or 8.

Here are five climbers worth climbing 1,776 steps for.

5. Giant panda

The rarest member of the bear family lives mainly in bamboo forests high in the mountains of western China. Unfortunately, the destruction and fragmentation of the forests they depend on is putting pandas at risk. Climb for the panda.

4. Sloth

Sloths spend nearly all their time hanging upside down from trees. The average three-toed sloth can ascend a tree at a leisurely three metres per minute. To put this in perspective, it would take a sloth 184 minutes, or three hours, to reach the top of the CN Tower. Most people do it in less than one hour. Like the panda, deforestation threatens this slow-paced climber.

3. Woodpecker

Why fly when you can climb? Woodpeckers are zygodactylous, meaning they have two toes that point forward and two that point backwards. This makes them specially adapted for climbing up and down the trunks of trees. The red-headed woodpecker – known for its crimson head, neck and breast – is threatened as its hardwood habitat is lost. Climb for the red-headed woodpecker.

2. Gray treefrog

This tiny frog has two super powers: camouflage and climbing. Based on the time of day and temperature, gray treefrogs can alter their skin colour. They also have suction-like pads on their feet that enable them to stick to surfaces and ascend to the top of the tallest trees. By climbing the CN Tower, you can help connect the corridors between the Carolinian woodlands and wetlands they call home.

1. Snow Leopard

The snow leopard blends in perfectly with the steep and snowy mountains of Central Asia (including Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak). Although the snow leopard hunts and survives on steep cliffs and harsh terrain, it needs your help to climb away from climate change. There are fewer than 6,000 left in the wild. Climb for snow leopards.

Climb it for climbers. Climb it for change.

Feeling up for the physical and fundraising challenge the CN Tower Climb offers? Register today and rally for wildlife.

WWF’s first ever CN Tower Climb for Nature took place 28 years ago, in 1991. Since then, more than 110,000 people have ascended the landmark’s 1,776 steps. From a 10-year-old veteran climber to a first-time climber at age 81, these are their stories.

Feeling inspired? There’s still time to register for the CN Tower Climb for Nature on April 7 or 8.

“I’m an animal lover and I love the work that WWF does for conserving wildlife and habitats. Another motivation for climbing is to ensure that my daughter Nyla will also be able to see some of the beautiful creatures that I have witnessed. I’ve been striving for a zero-waste lifestyle since 2016. So I liked that you can donate back your fundraising gifts.”

— Sophi, on why she has been climbing for 13 years. Show your support for Sophi by donating.

“We have four adorable grandkids. Three girls and a boy. I want to stay healthy and active as long as possible to see them bloom and enter their adult lives. After a lot of study, about seven months ago I added stair climbing to my regular gym routine to help me reach my goals of health and independence. The WWF climb came up as an ‘annual exam’ that would help me to establish my strength and endurance levels. We live in a condo tower of 30 floors. I started stair climbing 30-60 floors a week initially. With the advent of the WWF climb in April, I gradually ramped up my continuous climb to 150 floors over 4 months.”

— Dr. Rama Munikoti, a physicist who is climbing the CN Tower for the first time at 81 years old. Show your support for Rama.

 “My brother climbed and liked it, so I wanted to try it too. It felt good to be climbing and having people cheering for me and congratulating me afterwards. Plus, I liked the charity part of it. Knowing I’m helping wildlife keeps me coming back. I’m also working on my time.”

— 10-year-old Jonathan, a top fundraiser who has been climbing since he was five. His climb times so far are: 26:19 (2003), 21:20 (2014), 18:57 (2015), 17:22 (2016). Donate to Jonathan’s climb.

“I’ve had it since I was a kid. I like wearing it on the climb because a lot of people get a little bit tired and I see a little bit of a smile on their face when they actually look up and see the headband. It doesn’t really help me, they don’t flap so I don’t get any extra speed so I’m not cheating, it’s just for fun.”

“This is number 27 this year. I’ve been a big believer in the work WWF does. When I found out about the fundraising event, I realized it was for me. It was a way for me to show my support for a wonderful cause and achieve my bucket list item of going up the tower. Government isn’t leading the way, so it has to come down to the individual. So, the more we can instill in the upcoming generations, the better off the planet will be. There might actually be a home for my grandchildren to see and grow up in, because if we don’t take serious steps now, it’s not going to be pleasant.”

— Doug, who is climbing for the 27th time in April. To date, Doug has raised nearly $50,000 for conservation. He is also the winner of this year’s early bird contest. Show your support for Doug and wildlife by making a donation.

“Last year being my first time climbing the CN Tower I just wanted to be able to finish, get to the top. I was so proud of myself when I did it and was surprised to see I did it in 30 minutes and 8 seconds. This year I would like to cut that time down to 20 minutes. In doing this I have found the motivation to up my goals. I have always wanted to go to Africa on safari. I thought of seeing and photographing the big five gets would be a dream come true. While researching for the trip, I found Mount Kilimanjaro – and my first thought was I could never do this, but now I’m going to make it happen. My motivation for climbing is my love for all wildlife and wanting to see them protected. We need these animals and they need us.”

— Charlene, a wildlife photographer who is climbing the CN Tower for the second time before taking on Mount Kilimanjaro to celebrate her 60th birthday. To raise funds, she’s holding a draw to win canvas prints of her work – support her climb and you could win.

“I usually volunteer, helping to set up and take down after the CN Tower Climb. It’s always a friendly environment with everyone looking to help out anyway they can. I’m a big animal lover and wanted to get more involved. Last summer I rollerbladed across Canada to raise funds for WWF. Now I’m climbing Canada’s tallest tower with my dragon boat team. I made a bet with a co-worker that I would be able to do it within a certain amount of time, so I’m driven to make that pace and give him a piece of humble pie.”

– Jake, a long time CN Tower volunteer who recently completed a cross-country trip on rolleblades for WWF. Help Jake reach his fundraising goal.

Join the #ClimbersOfToronto

Funds raised for the CN Tower Climb will help us continue our conservation work. Register today to climb on April 7 or 8.

Follow us on Instagram @wwfcanada for more #ClimbersofToronto stories.

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

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!

Top 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. 

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)

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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

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.

© 2016 James Carpenter / WWF-Canada
HPE CFO Linda Sampson and her brave team plunge into Lake Ontario for WWF-Canada

“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

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.

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.

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

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 You could put your athleticism to the test and compete for the fastest climb time with the Elite Challenge. But 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.

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.

WWF CN Tower Climb record holder Shaun Stephens-Whale is here to tell you that anyone can make it to the top of the tower with some preparation. He set the pace at the last year’s CN Tower Climb for Nature, tackling the 1,776 steps in 9 minutes and 54.9 seconds. With records also set at buildings in Las Vegas, Seattle and Vancouver, it’s hard to believe Stephens-Whale wasn’t always so fast.

Here’s how you can get fitter and faster for the return of WWF’s CN Tower Climb on April 7 and 8. For more climb tips, Shaun recommends this 10-week training program.

Were you always so fast?

My first ever climb was at the Climb the Wall event at the Sheraton Wall Centre in 2003. Being competitive in nature, I took off in a flat-out sprint and got to the half-way mark absolutely spent. I still ended up finishing in the top 10; it was a humbling and character-building experience.

How does your current training regime compare to when you first started?

I lived in an isolated community on the Sunshine Coast and could only access tall buildings by taking the ferry into Vancouver. So, I improvised. With my dad lounging on the couch with stop watch in hand, I would sprint up and down the single flight of stairs 50 times as quickly as possible. As time went by, running up one flight turned into sprinting up a 30-storey high rise to interval training up 60 to 70 floor skyscrapers. One thing hasn’t changed, of all the different types of training I do, nothing prepares me better than stairs.

What advice would you give a novice climber?

Success is defined by your effort and not by your time. The most important thing to remember is not to start out too fast, maintain a comfortable pace and take rests when you need to – the finish line isn’t going anywhere.

What is your strategy once you are inside the tower?

I take the steps two at a time – it cuts the number of steps in half to reach the top quicker. By incorporating the handrails, you can engage the core, biceps, triceps and back muscles and it saves a lot on the legs.

Do you have a favourite place to train in nature?

I was raised running on the gnarly, undulating, single-track trails of British Columbia. Anytime I’m outside exploring new trails I’m happy.

When training last spring, you had a close encounter with a bear. Tell us about that.

I was running a single-track trail and saw an adolescent black bear sauntering towards me. Encountering bears is not a rare event, and having been in similar circumstances before, knew that black bears are usually docile creatures. Quickly, I slipped into the woods to get out of its way only to realize it was now crashing through the thick brush towards me, eventually getting right behind me and swatting me on the thigh.

I realized my best shot was to fight back. I turned around to face the bear and immediately tripped on a root. Sprawled on my back, I desperately grabbed a stick and swatted it on the nose. It backed off, giving me enough time to get up and make my way back to the trail. The battle wasn’t over though. I yelled and made myself as big as possible, brandishing my stick and throwing rocks every time it got close. After about 15 minutes, the bear abated and I made it to safety with a bloody nose and a few broken ribs.

Below is video from a slightly less harrowing encounter Shaun had with bear on a B.C. trail. Watch closely to see the bear at 3:11, before Shaun takes off.

What are you most afraid of in the urban environment?

Fortunately for us, stairwells make poor environments for large predatory creatures.

You’ve climbed some of the tallest buildings in the world including the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building and Etihad Towers. How does the CN Tower compare?

The CN tower is certainly a long stairwell but it isn’t as strenuous as some buildings. Each flight of stairs is relatively short – around ten steps – and the height of each step isn’t that steep. This reduces the load on the quadriceps and allows for moments of respite on the landings.

How would you describe the feeling once you reach the top?

The euphoria and rush of endorphins along with the sense of accomplishment and stunning views always bring me back for more.

Register today to get a head start on your climb training (see Shaun’s 10-week program) and fundraising. For every $500 you raise before Feb. 15, you earn one bollet for a chance to win a trip to Churchill, Manitoba. 

Every year, thousands of people of all ages and fitness levels ascend the CN Tower to raise funds for wildlife. The average climber reaches the top in 30-40 minutes. Whether you’ve never climbed or are looking to shave minutes off your time, WWF CN Tower climb record holder Shaun Stephens-Whale – at 9 minutes, 54.9 seconds – recommends this 10-week training program to help you reach your climb goals.

Register and start training now for WWF’s CN Tower Climb this April 7 and 8.

Some tips before you get started:

• Set a realistic race-pace goal (this is the time you want to take to reach the top). The CN Tower’s 1,776 steps are equivalent to about 100 floors in most buildings. So, if your race pace is 30 minutes, train to complete 10 floors in 3 minutes.
• Always warm up before training and don’t forget to cool down.
• For stair workouts, it’s best if you have access to a building with at least 20 floors. If you don’t, the stepper at the gym is a great substitute.
• If you plan to take the CN Tower steps two at a time, incorporate a combination of double and single steps into you training.
• One final piece of advice: If possible, take the elevator back down.

Week 1
2 cardio days
Stair climb challenge: Ascend as many floors as you can in 10 minutes.

Week 2
2 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Climb one floor and take a short break. Climb two floors and break, and so on. Add a floor between breaks each time until you’ve climbed as high as you can in 10 minutes.

Week 3
2 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Ascend 10 floors at your race pace. Repeat three times.

Week 4
3 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Climb one floor at your race-pace and one floor at a recovery pace. Complete this interval 20 times.

Week 5 
3 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Climb 10 floors and take a short break. Climb nine floors and break. Repeat taking one less floor each time until you finish a single floor.

Week 6 
3 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Take on as many floors as you can climb in 15 minutes.

Week 7 
3 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Climb 15 floors at your race pace. Repeat three times with rest between sets.

Week 8 
3 cardio days | 1 strength day
Stair climb challenge: Ascend as many floors as you can climb in 20 minutes.

Week 9
3 cardio days |1 strength day
Stair climb challenge 1: Climb 10 floors at above race pace. Repeat four times.
Stair climb challenge 2: 100 floors

Week 10 
4 cardio days
Stair climb challenge 2: Climb 20 floors at race-pace. Repeat three times.

April 7 or 8
WWF-Canada CN Tower Climb for Nature

Read more about Shaun Stephens-Whale’s advice for first-time climbers. And if you think you have what it takes to reach the top in under 15 minutes – or rival Shaun’s time— sign up for the Elite Challenge.