Firefighters climb ‘Ainslie to Everest’ in Lifeline fundraiser

Mount Everest is nearly 10,000 kilometres away from Canberra, but ACT firefighters will scale the height of the mountain this month, in a physical endurance challenge to raise thousands of dollars for Lifeline Canberra.

On Saturday 18 March, ACT Fire and Rescue members will charge up Mt Ainslie, breathing apparatuses on their backs. Five teams of five volunteers will each do eight 36 km laps (four round trips of the summit track, up and down): the equivalent of the height of Mt Everest (8.85 km).

This is the second year running the ESA Ainslie to Everest has been held.

As first responders on the front line, Lifeline is a cause close to firefighters’ hearts, organiser Sean Guinard said. Everyone involved was keen to hop on board, take the challenge, and raise money for a good cause.

“We pretty much point everyone to Lifeline if they’re in a tough situation,” Mr Guinard said. “The community is facing unprecedented times. We joined emergency services to help the community … and anything we can do to create a better mental space for the community is a bonus.”

Mr Guinard wants to raise enough money to support the charity for a month. Every $26 donated covers the cost of a lifesaving call to Lifeline’s 24/7 crisis support hotline (13 11 14). In December, Lifeline answered 2,733 phone calls, which cost more than $71,000.

Last year’s Ainslie to Everest raised $55,000 for Lifeline Canberra; the firefighters’ target this year is $50,000, but Mr Guinard dreams of doubling that, and raising $100,000.

“It is humbling to receive this support from the ACT Emergency Service Agency, an organisation that works 24/7 to secure the safety and wellbeing of our community,” Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson said.

The event on 18 March will be a great family day and a lot of fun, Mr Guinard said. Community activities will take place at the Mt Ainslie summit from 10am.

Fire and Rescue will bring out their appliances, making it a mini open day. Their colleagues in other branches of the ACT Emergency Services Agency – the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, and the Ambulance Service – will have information tents, face painting, and sausage sizzles, while ACT Pipes and Drums will provide music.

The event is sponsored by Allhomes, Capital Chemist, HIIT Republic, Hopscotch, Brodburger, and the Ainslie Football & Social Club. Each sponsor will also have a pop-up tent.

The first firefighters will set off at 9am, wearing sports gear and runners, and carrying breathing apparatus that weighs between eight and 12 kg.

“Anyone who’s done Mt Ainslie just for fitness knows that one lap is a good workout,” Mr Guinard said. “So to do eight laps with the BA set on, non-stop, is quite a challenging feat!”

Visit esaainslietoeverest.gofundraise.com.au to support the cause and donate to Lifeline Canberra,

- Nick Fuller

Full story online.