Skip to content

Cultus Lake firefighters to 'Climb the Wall' in honour of late colleague

Tradition to raise money for BC Lung Foundation while remembering Connor Sloan is 'really amazing,' says firefighter

Cultus Lake firefighters will be thinking about one of their own members who died five years ago, when they take part in a fitness fundraiser for lung health in March.

BC Lung Foundation’s Climb the Wall event will see firefighters and others climb 48 storeys at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre on March 2.

“Lung health is obviously an important topic for firefighters, so the cause means a lot to us," said Jeff Boychuk, firefighter with the Cultus Lake Fire Department, and team captain for this year’s event.

The crew became aware of the event in 2019, and with the tragic passing of fellow firefighter Connor Sloan that same year, Climb the Wall seemed like the perfect way to honour him.

"Being able to all get together and honour Connor’s memory on a yearly basis has been really amazing,” Boychuk said.

CLFD
The Cultus Lake Fire Department team pose for a photo at the 2024 Climb the Wall fundraiser. (CultusLakeFireDepartment/ Instagram)

It has become an annual tradition for the Cultus Lake Fire Department and many other fire halls throughout B.C. A team from the Chilliwack Fire Department has also signed up for this year's fundraiser.

As climbers make their way up the 750 steps, the drive to beat their previous years’ time is always a great motivator, and Boychuk said his team always keeps Sloan in their hearts and minds as they head to the top.

“The sheer challenge of the event is what really sets it apart from other fundraisers and it’s a great training opportunity for us too. There is no other event better associated with the cause and what we do.”

A firefighter's turnout gear weighs about 75 pounds which includes the air tank and respirator. There are different divisions in Climb the Wall, including the firefighter climber (with and without full gear), non-firefighter climber, student climber, and youth (under 12).

“We all love the event and will continue to push ourselves every year to support lung health in B.C.”

Last year’s event had nearly 200 firefighters, and more than 70 non-firefighter participants take part in the unique challenge. For 24 years, Climb the Wall has been raising money for healthy lungs and clean air.

This year’s event  will have a 'sportstacular' twist, blending the thrill of the climb with the fun and competitive spirit of sports to create an unforgettable day. Following the climb, participants can enjoy brunch, music, awards, and plenty of entertainment including a golf simulator, ping pong tables, arcade-style basketball, and pickleball training walls.

To sign up or to donate to the cause, go to climbthewall.ca.



Jenna Hauck

About the Author: Jenna Hauck

I started my career at The Chilliwack Progress in 2000 as a photojournalist.
Read more