Calgarians climb McHugh Bluff to support military families

Approximately 150 Calgarians climbed the McHugh Bluff stairs on Saturday to raise money for military and veteran families ^[1].

The event supports the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre, which provides critical services to military members and their families across southern Alberta. By simulating the physical demands of military service, the fundraiser aims to increase public awareness of the challenges faced by those who serve.

This year marked the third annual edition of the Stairs of Strength fundraiser ^[3]. Participants gathered at the McHugh Bluff stairs in Calgary, Alberta, to tackle the steep ascent as a gesture of solidarity and support for the veteran community [2, 4].

Among the participants was Lieutenant-Colonel Sandy Cooper, who took on a particularly grueling version of the challenge. Cooper climbed 1,000 stairs while carrying 52 pounds of gear [2, 4]. The weighted climb was designed to mirror the physical burdens carried by soldiers in the field, highlighting the resilience required for military duty.

Funds raised during the event are directed toward the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre [1, 2]. The organization focuses on providing resources, and support systems for families who navigate the complexities of military life, including deployments and transitions to veteran status [1, 2].

The community event combined physical fitness with philanthropic goals. By engaging local citizens in a collective physical struggle, organizers sought to create a tangible connection between the civilian population and the military experience in southern Alberta [2, 4].