Q&A with the 'Stair King' as he trains for the CN Tower Climb
By Tess Finlay, Communications Intern, WWF-Canada
Last week, we were sent a video from CN Tower climber Larry Duong which cannot be described in words really. You gotta watch it.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnfT0thk4tE[/youtube]
Awesome, right?
This week we sat down with Larry to chat to him about what inspired him to make this project.
1) What inspired you to create a YouTube video for the CN Tower Climb?
Making videos and films has been a recent passion of mine. Knowing that my friends and networks may be doing something similar, I wanted to make sure that mine would stand out. I felt that posting the URL on social media outlets was simply not enough-you need to give your audience material that motivates them to donate to a cause. A quirky, cheesy trailer filmed from a cell phone? That could do!
2) Why are you climbing this year? And have you climbed in previous years?
I am a first time climber, but this is my 2nd year hosting and organizing our team at Shred-it. I am definitely excited to actually climb this year! I have been jogging up 42 floors in 3 reps to try to simulate the climb…but I’m sure nothing will compare to the real deal!
3) I hear you are climbing with your team “Shred-It”, tell me about your team and how you all decided upon doing the climb? Do you have an overall goal you’re hoping to achieve?
Shred-it is the organization I work for and we are representing “Team Shred-it Don’t Sweat It!”
Our commitment to the environment is not only a corporate initiative, but is a part of our culture. At Shred-It, all associates are accountable for doing what they can do to reduce their personal impact on the environment while at work. So for Earth Week at the Shred-it Head Office we thought the climb was well suited to this theme!
A few team members are training on stairs; others are running on an incline tread mill or simply jogging to boost up their stamina and endurance. Our team goal is to of course bring awareness to WWF’s environmental initiatives, raise as much money as we can, and simply to have FUN!
4) What does the environment mean to you?
Without getting to philosophical, I understand humans need to take resources from the earth in order to survive. Though the lack of responsibility and respect some have towards animals and the preservation of natural resources is upsetting. This is why it is important for those of us who care about the environment, to show our support through awareness initiatives like Earth Week and for environmental organizations such as WWF.
5) Last, but definitely not least…what is your favourite animal?
All animals! But if I had to choose….. It would be monkeys, specifically chimpanzees. It’s just so fascinating to see an animal behave so similarly to humans.
