Taking Steps Towards a Healthy Planet!

The 1,776 step climb, sponsored by Canada Life and the CN Tower, will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on April 24th, with a separate team challenge event on April 22nd from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The goal of the event is to raise $550,000 to help WWF-Canada in its conservation work. People from across Canada and around the world will be gathering to raise money to help protect our oceans, coastlines, freshwater and forests. A group of more than 40 Miss Canada International pageant participants from as far away as Abbotsford, British Columbia will be joining the climb.

“Canada Life is proud to sponsor this exciting event and to support 65 company employees and their families who have been working hard to raise pledges for the climb,” said Jan Belanger, Assistant Vice-President, Community Affairs. “It’s not just the challenge and the fun of the event that appeals to them, but also the opportunity to support the important work of World Wildlife Fund Canada.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Canada Life and the CN Tower for our annual climb,” said Monte Hummel, WWF-Canada President. “It is a great way for WWF-Canada to promote a healthy planet and celebrate Earth Week.”

“We at the CN Tower are proud of our continued support of this annual event and very worthwhile cause over the last 14 years. We encourage everyone to participate and contribute toward preserving the natural wonders of the world by climbing to the top of Canada’s Wonder of the World!” said Jack Robinson, General Manager of the CN Tower.

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 to climb is $25. If climbers raise $50 or more in pledges they also receive a 2004 Climb T-shirt. Climbers are not allowed to carry anything into the stairwell, including infants/children, backpacks, cell phones or walkmans. Water bottles are only permissible if carried in a fanny pack. A supervised coat check will be available on-site.

WWF-Canada saves nature by conserving species and protecting their habitats; by ensuring our use of renewable resources is sustainable; and by helping individuals, companies and governments reduce pollution.

The Canada Life Assurance Company, Canada’s first domestic life insurance company, was founded in 1847. Headquartered in Toronto, the company operates in Canada, the United States, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Hong Kong and the Caribbean.

Defining the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower is Canada’s most recognizable and celebrated icon. At a height of 553.33 meters (1,815 feet, five inches) it is the World’s Tallest Building, a wonder of the modern world, an important telecommunications hub, and the centre of tourism in Toronto. Each year, two million people visit Canada’s Wonder of the World to take in the breathtaking view and enjoy all the CN Tower has to offer.