Gearing up to fight lung disease at inaugural Stair Heroes event

**** HRFE Media Release (edited)

(EVENT) Gearing up to fight lung disease at inaugural Stair Heroes event

Adventure seekers, athletes, families and first responders, attended the first-ever stair climb event in Halifax On February 16th, 2020.

The Stair Heroes event, which is a partnership between the Lung Association of Nova Scotia and Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE), is intended to bring awareness and raise funds for lung health in Nova Scotia.

“We’re excited to be bringing a fun, new family event to Halifax,” said Robert MacDonald, President & CEO of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. “It’s a unique event for Nova Scotia, and we’re hoping this will become our signature fundraising event for lung health.”

The event took place at Duke Tower on Barrington Street and saw close to 300 participants climb this notable building in support of lung health. Registration for the Stair Heroes event was $25 per person plus any donations raised

“We kept the costs low in order to encourage more people to take part,” said MacDonald. “However, we’re encouraging participants to raise at least $100 each to help support lung health in Nova Scotia.”

“Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency is pleased to be partnering with the Lung Association of Nova Scotia on this event,” said Ken Stuebing, Fire Chief. “Firefighters know the importance of lung health and wear special equipment to protect their lungs everyday on the job, so supporting the Lung Association of Nova Scotia on this initiative just makes sense.”

“The stair climb is going to require great athleticism, but I’m confident our firefighters are up for the challenge. I hope firefighters from across the province join us in this challenge and try to beat our times and our fundraising efforts,” said Stuebing.

Rose Marie MacArthur knows all too well how important lung health is. Her husband, Dan, required a double-lung transplant after being diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis almost two years ago. “We are grateful for all the support we receive from the Lung Association of Nova Scotia,” said Rose Marie. “By supporting the Lung Association of Nova Scotia, you are supporting families like ours, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

The Stair Heroes event will be a chip-timed event with both competitive and non-competitive categories. The event itself was very family-centric and l featured music, face painting, special guests, and more.

Sponsors for the event include Scotia Square, Chester & Co, Culligan Water, Aerobics First, 89.9 The Wave, & Hunter Tellier Belgrave Adamson.