Canada’s tallest landmark was bustling this weekend as more than 6,000 people braved the 44th annual CN Tower Climb in support of United Way Greater Toronto.
After tackling 144 flights of stairs — or 1,776 steps — successful participants were greeted to cheers and hugs from friends, loved ones and volunteers on the observation deck.
But Toronto resident Larissa Proctor had an extra special companion waiting for her at the top: her guide dog, Jim.
A young yellow Labrador, Jim has been by his owner's side every day for the past year.
Proctor lives with a degenerative retinal condition called retinitis pigmentosa, which has caused her to progressively lose her eyesight over the years.
An executive director of advocacy with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Proctor was proud to share that Sunday marked the second straight year she’s participated in the climb.
“This event is a good analogy for living with blindness in general,” she told TorontoToday. “It’s a little disorientating, and sometimes I don’t know where I’m going, but at the end I’m getting through it the same way that everybody else is — while asking for help along the way.”
United Way supports three of CNIB’s children and youth programs, as well as their adult peer support group in Toronto.
While Proctor’s motivation to help raise money for a personal cause was palpable, it was her guide dog’s excitement that stole the show when the two were reunited at the top of the tower.
“He’s a very good boy,” she said. “If he was allowed to do the climb, he probably would have had the best time. It was nice to think about reuniting with him at the top.”
Proctor’s team raised more than $4,000 ahead of this weekend’s festivities — twice as much from the previous year.
Her fellow CNIB colleague and team captain Jason Osborne climbed the CN Tower for an astounding tenth time Sunday morning.
“I initially started it as a physical challenge, and then I eventually became more passionate about the fundraising aspect of it,” he said. “My best time was under 22 minutes, so I’m hoping I was within 25 minutes this year. I’m going to keep doing it until I no longer can.”
Nicole McVan, vice president at United Way Greater Toronto, said the organization should hit their $1.5 million goal by the end of the day.
Of all the events the organization runs throughout the year, McVan confessed the CN Tower Climb is their personal favourite. The VP even joined in on the fun and climbed every step.
“I feel exhilarated,” McVan said. “This is our biggest and best fundraiser every year. For us, this event is making sure people see us while we give them a chance to join our cause. Regardless of your ability, your age, or anything — you can climb the tower and be connected to a bigger movement.”
“It’s a ritual that’s really unique to the city that we’re so proud of,” added Jennifer Paige, director of marketing, communications, and partnerships with the CN Tower. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate community spirit at a time when it’s very needed.”
United Way Greater Toronto, which helps fight local poverty, serves 1.8 million people across Toronto, Peel and York regions every year.
The organization will return with its 45th annual CN Tower Climb next year from Nov. 15-16.
Climbers had to raise a fundraising minimum of $100 for adults and $60 for youth to be eligible to participate this year.
