RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: 5,400 climbers raise $1.53 million at WWF CN Tower Climb for Nature amid growing conservation need
TORONTO, April 6, 2025 /CNW/ - More than 5,400 people challenged themselves to journey up the CN Tower's 1,776 stairs this weekend as part of the WWF-Canada's Climb for Nature fundraiser, presented by Aviso. Supported by nearly 23,000 donors, sponsors and volunteers, climbers raised $1.53 million (and counting) for conservation efforts across Canada.
The fastest climbers in their categories were Tyler Kruschenske, at 10 minutes and 33 seconds and Lisa Nagy at 12 minutes and 48 seconds. It is the sixth win for Kruschenske, an obstacle course racer from Brantford, Ont., and the second win for Nagy, from Guelph, Ont.
Tyler Aishford, a 16-year-old competitive swimmer from Toronto, was the fastest teen climber and second fastest overall climber this weekend at 11 minutes and 25 seconds.
Others who climbed the tower's 144 flights included Bachelor alum and conservationist Blake Moynes; top fundraiser Doug Dorsey, who raised more than $4,500 on his 32nd ascent and Lianne Gravitis, a pet care pro who climbed for the 18th time; and veterinarian Dr. Clifford Redford, who conquered the CN Tower dressed as Captain Canada.
"I'm on cloud nine — almost literally — because we're up pretty high and we just found out that we brought in $1.5 million for wildlife," Megan Leslie, WWF-Canada's president and CEO, said from the 346-metre-high main observation deck of the CN Tower.
"For wildlife to survive and thrive in Canada, they need habitat. So, WWF-Canada is out there all across Canada restoring habitat, protecting habitat, and making sure wildlife have a place to eat, breed, raise their young, and hibernate. That's what wildlife need, and every step taken and every dollar raised this weekend is going to support exactly that."
The 2025 WWF Climb for Nature continues May 10 with its second annual event at BC Place stadium in Vancouver. Registration is open at wwf.ca/bcplace.
Select footage, photos and interviews can be found here. Please reach out to WWF-Canada if you would like to cover a specific climber.
About WWF-Canada's Climb for Nature
WWF-Canada's most significant fundraising event, the CN Tower Climb for Nature, presented by Aviso, raises more than $1 million annually to protect habitats and species across Canada and around the world. The Climb for Nature has grown to include events at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on May 10 and an Anywhere Climb for Nature. For more information, visit wwf.ca/climb.
About World Wildlife Fund Canada
WWF-Canada is committed to equitable and effective conservation actions that restore nature, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change. We draw on scientific analysis and Indigenous guidance to ensure all our efforts connect to a single goal: a future where wildlife, nature and people thrive. For more information visit wwf.ca.
SOURCE World Wildlife Fund Canada
For further information, Emily Vandermeer, senior communications specialist, [email protected], 519-616-1556
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