Canada Life TM CN Tower Climb for World Wildlife Fund Canada April 20

The goal is to raise $400,000 to help protect the planet’s natural environment and build a future in which humans can live in harmony with nature.

“This is a healthy way to promote a healthy planet and celebrate Earth Day,” said WWF-Canada Foundation President, Chris Hyde. “Last year more than 4,000 people participated in the events and raised close to $100 each.”

Canadian Olympians, including the skater, Gaetan Boucher, took part in a separate Team Challenge on Thursday, April 18. “This is a fun event and it’s for something good. You help the cause and you exercise at the same time which is the best possible combination,” said Gaetan. He climbed the CN Tower in under half the average time of 30 minutes to reach the top.

To draw attention to the climbs, a 520 foot banner is hanging down the southwest face of the Tower. The banner has been in place for the past two weeks and will be coming down shortly after the event.

“The CN Tower is proud to continue to support this 12th annual event with such a worthwhile international cause,” said Bud Purves, President and General Manager of the CN Tower. “We encourage everyone to take on the challenge of climbing to the top of Canada’s Wonder of the World and at the same time contribute to preserving the world’s natural wonders.”

“At Canada Life, our vision is to help people achieve more. We are pleased to be part of these events, which help people achieve more for themselves and for the environment,” said Bill Acton, Executive Vice President and Director, Canadian Division, Canada Life.

The public climb begins in the SkyWalk Atrium between Union Station and the SkyWalk. Enter through the west doors of Union Station or via Station Street. The fee on the event day is $30.

Climbers are not allowed to bring anything into the stairwell, including backpacks, water bottles, fanny packs and walkmans. There will be a supervised coat check on site.

WWF-Canada is a registered charitable organization, supported by 60,000 Canadians from coast to coast. Headquartered in Toronto, WWF-Canada also has offices in Montreal, Whitehorse and Yellowknife, as well as on all three coasts: Halifax in the East, Prince Rupert in the West, and Iqaluit in the North. It also leads global conservation efforts in Cuba. WWF-Canada recently concluded its decade-long Endangered Spaces Campaign which protected over 1,000 new areas across the country.