By ANEEKA SIMONIS
EIGHT Mount Evelyn’s CFA volunteers are climbing for a good cause at the Melbourne Firefighting Stair Climb.
Sponsored by Fit Gym in Mount Evelyn, these local firefighters are preparing for a high-intensity, multi-storey climb at the Crown Metropol to raise funds that will go towards remodelling The Alfred hospital’s Burns Unit.
Hoping to raise $100,000 for the cause, 200 state career and volunteer firefighters will climb 28 floors wearing 25 kilograms of turnout gear and a breathing apparatus on the 7 September event.
Of all the stations, Mount Evelyn CFA has reeled in the most funds, totalling at $2392 on 14 August.
The team have been training hard over the last few weeks at Fit Gym Mount Evelyn who have provided them with free memberships and personal training sessions over the period.
Participating in the climb is Mount Evelyn CFA’s Paul Simpson who wanted “thank Fit Gym for supporting the team in the climb.”
The challenge is not for the faint-hearted. Mr Simpson says the firefighter gear they are required to wear, which includes pants, a jacket, helmet and breathing apparatus with a tank and mask, makes for hot and heavy work.
“The structure gear doesn’t breathe,” he said.
The volunteers have also been raising eyebrows at the 1000 steps, training there in their full gear on Sundays.
“They all start off laughing but then begin to stop and ask for photos,” he said.
Several categories will be judged on the day, including station winners, which the Mount Evelyn CFA is eager to chase.
The Alfred hospital Burns Unit plans to put the money toward refurbishing two rooms with updated equipment such as an ultrasound machines and a hypothermia system.
To make a donation to the cause, you can sponsor the group by heading to https://www.firefighterclimb.org.au/.
