WWF’s Climb for Nature is going national: Meet some of the people stepping up for wildlife across Canada
This spring, WWF’s Climb for Nature is bigger than ever as our signature fundraising event grows to include not only the 144 floors of the CN Tower on April 20 and 21, but also the stands of BC Place stadium in Vancouver on May 26 and stairs anywhere across Canada (you choose the place and time).
Meet a few of the people climbing this spring to help raise over $1 million for wildlife conservation. Feeling inspired? There’s still time to register for the Climb for Nature.
“As a disabled athlete who professionally rock climbs, ice climbs and skis, my connection to nature has always been deep. Last year’s experience climbing the CN Tower was transformative and I am impatiently waiting for an opportunity to showcase the abilities of the disabled community on this stage once again.
My goal is to stand as a symbol of strength and resilience and inspire others to overcome their challenges and embrace their potential. Additionally, I am excited to challenge myself personally, with the goal of bettering my previous record and showing the incredible feats that people with disabilities are capable of in the world.
More than a physical challenge, nature has a special place in my heart. Last year’s wildfires in Canada, and its effect on the air in Toronto, showed climate change is a significant threat to our planet. My hope for the future is that we can come together as a global community to protect ecosystems, preserve and revive nature.”
Hassan Mirzahosseini hasn’t let having a disability prevent him from achieving his athletic goals, including reaching the top of the CN Tower in just 27 minutes and 52 seconds last year. He hopes others will be inspired to climb for themselves and for the future of the planet.
“I participated in WWF-Canada’s CN Tower Climb for Nature in 2023 for the first time — and thankfully made it up all 1,776 steps! This year I will be climbing with my friend Tayla Talmage and together we founded Active Girls TO, a group where women get together, workout and make new friends. We want to give back and what better way than being active and protecting nature at the same time.”
Kristen Calibaba, on why she hopes other women will get Active in April and join her in climbing up the CN Tower for WWF-Canada. You can support her climb or join the Active Girls TO team here.
“I made a promise to myself that I would only visit the CN Tower when my dad arrived in Canada. Unfortunately, he passed away two years ago, and I never got the chance to fulfill that promise with him.
This climb holds profound significance for me, as it symbolizes not only my love for my father but also my commitment to keeping his memory alive. With each step I take, I carry his spirit with me, drawing strength from the cherished memories we shared. My father was truly passionate about both nature and physical challenges. He instilled in me a deep love and respect for the natural world from a young age, and he always encouraged me to push my limits and embrace physical activities.”
Harman Mahi, who is climbing the CN Tower for the second time to honour his biggest supporter and raise funds for a great cause. So far, he’s raised over $1,500 for wildlife conservation.
“My love for wildlife and outdoor activities has been present since childhood, deeply woven into the core of my being. My life’s greatest memories and experiences revolve around them. I am intentional about where I eat, purchase food from, travel to, and the impact I have on species and the environment. Seeing any species in their natural habitat is an absolute blessing, and engaging in activities in nature is my Zen.
Climbing stadium stairs has been a personal aspiration of mine, and since the climb supports the WWF, it holds particular significance for me. I’ve always wanted to do more for wildlife, beyond just being intentional. I believe the funds raised can help give more agency to wildlife and aid in their protection.”
Tara Wright on why WWF’s inaugural stadium climb at BC Place is a dream come true. Tara and her Activity-letes (activity athletes) teammate, Teresa, have had many active adventures in the wilderness of British Columbia and the United States over the years, which is how their team’s name came to be.
“Making it to the top of the CN Tower feels good. But making it to the top knowing you trained to hit your personal best time AND you’ve helped protect endangered animals and their habitats feels even better! The WWF event allows fitness lovers to combine our love for pushing our physical limitations with wildlife conservation efforts!”
Lexie Ward, WWF’s 2023 fastest female climber. The head coach and co-owner of online health and fitness company LadyTheFUp will be coming back in April to conquer the tower with a whole team of women she’s training.
Check out Lexie’s appearance on Breakfast Television for her tips for reaching the top of the CN Tower.
“I believe that saving mother nature and wildlife is our responsibility because we rely on them for numerous things, like food, water and air. The Climb is an amazing opportunity to show my gratitude and how much I do care for the environment and for protecting it. It makes me proud as a human that we can make a small impact. When we show love amidst darkness, we can become a light to others and show them there is still hope.
This is my first WWF Climb for Nature, and I am nervously excited about it because I’ve never climbed thousands of stairs. However, I am inspired by the experiences shared by other climbers and want to support WWF-Canada in their mission to protect our planet.”
Aanchal Bhatnagar, who recently moved to Canada and is looking for new adventures and ways to make a difference.
“When I was a kid, I had a few family members who would always gift me symbolically adopted animals from World Wildlife Fund as presents each year. This really sparked a huge love of nature and animals in me at a young age, and I’ve been trying to do my part for the environment ever since. This will be my fifth year climbing the CN Tower to raise money for this amazing cause, and I couldn’t be happier to continue contributing and raising awareness. This year I’ve even convinced my office coworkers to join me as a team to fundraise and climb together!”
Chanel Wase, an architectural designer and model who has raised $1,000 to help protect our planet so far this year.
Join the #WWFClimb for Nature
What are you waiting for? Register to climb the CN Tower on April 20 or 21, climb the stands of BC Place on May 26, or climb stairs near you as part of our Climb for Nature x Anywhere. Every step you take and dollar your raise is a step forward for wildlife.
