Take on the challenge; virtual CN Tower climb for nature

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Step 1774, step 1775, step 1776; finally, I have made it to the top! Success!

For some, climbing the CN Tower is another check on their bucket list. For others, it is done for charity and it is a great way to get some exercise and give back.

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of the CN Tower Climb for Nature and has become the World Wildlife Fund’s most powerful fundraiser. Each year, donations are collected to support the vital conservative work done by WWF. From: protecting caribou calving grounds in the Artic, preventing ship collisions with orcas in the Pacific, to using nature itself to fight the ever-growing climate crisis across the country, each year, people take the time to support this great cause, and put themselves to the test; climbing one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world; The CN Tower.

The CN Tower was completed in 1976, and was built by Canadian National Railways. It took 1,537 workers 40 months to build the tower. The original cost of construction was $63 million. There are a total of 1,776 steps and 144 flights to the top. The CN Tower stands at 553.33 m (1,815 feet, 5 inches). The average climber takes 30 to 40 minutes to make it to the top. According to the WWF, the fastest climb time is seven minutes and 52 seconds.

You thought COVID-19 would stop this event from happening. No way! Although most climbers will be unable to climb the tower this year, support for the wildlife is still needed – now more than ever. So, the CN Tower is closed until at least April 14^th, 2020 and as a result, WWF-Canada is transitioning the 2020 CN Tower Climb for Nature to a virtual event that will still take place on April 4^th and 5^th.

With technology, our virtual reality is limitless. Instead of climbing 1,776 steps up the tower’s 144 flights, they are challenging the community to do a “virtual” CN Tower Climb for Nature. There is more then one way to accomplish this challenge. You can get outdoors and walk 17,760 steps (an equivalent of about 13 km) for wildlife, go up and down the stairs 144 times, or use the stair machine at home.

If you are interested in becoming involved, some training is involved. This will include a mixture of full-body workout sessions at the gym four or five times a week. If this is a usual thing for you, you are ahead of the game. Remember that climbing stairs, and longer than usual walks can work your calf muscles, so give them a good stretch before you start the challenge.

To learn more about WWF, visit them at https://www.worldwildlife.org/.  On the day of the climb you can use a phone or fitness tracker — and the hashtag #VirtualCNTowerClimb — to show your donors and the community that you have achieved your goals for nature.