A team of 10 Mt Taylor firefighters are stepping up to the challenge to raise funds for Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI), depression and suicide as part of the Firefighter Stair Climb
The virtual event kicked off on 10 September and will run through to World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
Mt Taylor Captain Geoff Crane has been a regular participator in the event since 2015.
“Originally we only had a couple of members from Mt Taylor involved,” he said.
“Initially we joined forces with Bairnsdale Fire Brigade to form a team, so we had enough members to participate when the climb was held at the Crown Metropol.”
Fast forward to 2021, they now have 10 members from Mt Taylor brigade participating.
Since its involvement, the brigade has raised more than $15,000 for the cause.
Geoff said he loves the physical challenge and also feels passionate about the cause.
“Mental health challenges are very real for emergency services personnel,” he said.
“We believe it’s a great cause and we do it because we like how it actually brings our brigade together to work towards a common goal.
“Being a volunteer means giving back to your community and helping others, so this is just an extension of that.”
Following all the challenges COVID-19 has presented the community, the brigade is enthusiastic about the opportunity to band together for the virtual stair climb.
“This has really been a great way for us all to do our part to help the cause, and to stay fit also,” Geoff said.
“We have individually set goals of climbing 3046 stairs over the month, but some of our members have already excelled past that goal – having completed almost 10,000.
“Members are smashing their steps either at home or down at their local park.”
This year, the Stair Climb has an overall goal of $500,000 and funds for this year’s challenge will go towards Lifeline, Fortem Australia and 000 Foundation.
“We have already raised around $1,600 and we hope to get a few more donations into our fundraiser before the closing date on 10 October,” Geoff said.
Those who wish to support the brigade in raising funds for PTSI, depression and suicide can donate directly at www.firefighterclimb.org.au/station/cfa/mount-taylor.
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