Calgary’s Stairs of Strength fundraiser scales McHugh Bluff to support military families
Stairs of Strength fundraiser at McHugh Bluff raised funds for Calgary military families, with weighted climbs, firefighters, CAF members and community support.
The third annual Stairs of Strength fundraiser drew dozens of Calgarians to the McHugh Bluff stairs on Saturday as participants climbed and descended to raise money and awareness for military and veteran families across southern Alberta. The Stairs of Strength fundraiser featured competitors carrying extra weight to symbolize the burdens military households shoulder when a loved one is deployed. Organizers said proceeds will fund counselling, emergency family assistance, pet-care subsidies for deployed personnel and camps for military children.
Event setting and participation
The stair climb took place on the winding McHugh Bluff stairway in northwest Calgary, a steep public landmark that provided a demanding course for walkers, emergency responders and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces. About 70 per cent of those taking part were serving military personnel, firefighters and law-enforcement officers who joined to show solidarity, organizers said. Community members of all ages also participated, making the event both a physical challenge and a public demonstration of support for military families.
Symbolism in weighted climbs
For the third consecutive year, Lieutenant-Colonel Sandy Cooper completed the challenge in full fighting order, carrying roughly 55 pounds of body armour and training equipment to represent the physical and emotional weight borne by service families. Cooper set a personal target this year of the equivalent of 1,670 stairs — about 10 full trips up the stairway — underscoring the endurance required by those who serve and their loved ones. Organizers emphasized that the added weight is intended to create a tangible link between public effort and the sacrifices made by military households.
Community leaders and first responders join
Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth and other municipal leaders were among the uniformed personnel who climbed in support, lending visibility and local endorsement to the fundraiser. Dongworth spoke of the department’s long-standing respect for veterans and active-service members, noting that events like the Stairs of Strength bring public attention to families who often operate out of the public eye. Members of the Canadian Forces Base Suffield Command Team and the Commander of 41 Canadian Brigade Group were also present, reinforcing ties between military organizations and the civilian community.
Programs funded by the fundraiser
Money raised by the Stairs of Strength fundraiser will be directed to the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre’s suite of services, including mental-health counselling and emergency family support for households dealing with the demands of service life. The centre also uses funds for practical assistance such as pet-care subsidies while personnel are deployed and specialized camps and activities for children of military members. Organizers said those programs aim to reduce isolation and provide connection and stability for families during long absences or unexpected crises.
Voices from participants and families
Participants described the climb as both physically testing and emotionally meaningful, with many noting the event’s role in raising awareness about the unique pressures faced by service families. A number of younger participants and volunteers celebrated completing the route, while older or veteran climbers framed the challenge as an act of remembrance and solidarity. Organizers stressed that every lap and every donation helps sustain supports that otherwise might be inaccessible for some families.
Organizers outline outreach and next steps
Barbara Pohl, executive director of the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre, said the Stairs of Strength fundraiser is intended not only to collect funds but also to make military families more visible to the public. She called the turnout an encouraging sign of community recognition and said the centre will continue outreach to expand access to its programs across southern Alberta. The MFRC plans to build on this year’s event by promoting ongoing volunteer opportunities and developing partnerships to broaden local support networks.
Community members who want more information about the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre’s services and future events are encouraged to consult the organization directly for program details, eligibility and volunteer information.
The Stairs of Strength fundraiser combined a challenging physical test with a clear community purpose, turning every step on McHugh Bluff into a public statement of support for military and veteran families in Calgary and beyond.
