"We're just thrilled that Vancouver is really embracing this event. There is a lot happening out there in the world that is bad news for the environment. But there is so much hope in this stadium, said Megan Leslie, WWF-Canada's president and CEO. "WWF-Canada is doing awesome work on the ground with incredible partners to restore, protect and steward habitats for wildlife -- and the hundreds of people climbing here at BC Place to make it possible are saying, 'this is important to me.' They care deeply."
From climbers in cat ears and clown fish costumes to a Canadian Olympic champion, this year's climb brought together participants of all ages with a shared commitment to nature.
"Nature has always been close to my heart. I grew up in the mountains, so anytime we get to be in nature and see animals, that's the most grounding place that you can ever be. So, to be here and to feel the energy of everybody else here for the same cause is unbelievable," said Stephanie Labbé, Canadian Olympic soccer champion. "I played my final national team game for Canada here, so to come back to [BC Place], feel the energy from volunteers and have such a great time and get a fun workout in -- it was an amazing day."
Don Andrews, the voice of the Vancouver Whitecaps and B.C. Lions, has helped cheer on participants from the sound booth since the first climb. "My favorite memory of this event is really just being included each year, watching it grow like it has," he said. "We all know here on the West Coast how important conservation is. I'm born and raised here in Vancouver, and this is something that we've been a part of our entire lives."
WWF-Canada's most significant fundraising event is made possible by the generous support of national sponsor, Aviso.
All funds raised help conservation efforts ranging from restoring salmon habitat and fire-affected forests to reducing threats to southern resident killer whales.
About the WWF Climb for Nature
The WWF Climb for Nature raises more than $1 million annually to protect habitats and species across Canada. It started at the CN Tower in 1991 and has grown to include events at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver and an Anywhere Climb for Nature. For more information, visit wwf.ca/climb.
Photos, interviews and footage for public distribution are available here.
What the WWF Climb for Nature funds
Funds raised for the WWF-Canada Climb for Nature support efforts in B.C., and throughout Canada, to bring back nature, reverse wildlife loss, and fight climate change. Learn more about WWF-Canada's 10-year plan to Regenerate Canada here.
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: Alicia Arruda, [email protected], 778-846-8460
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