Teams step up to raise more than $420,000 for LBC

More than 390 people from across New Zealand challenged themselves to the Sky Tower stairs in the seventh annual Step Up Sky Tower Stair Challenge, raising more than $420,000 for Leukemia Blood Cancer (LBC).

The event took place on Friday 10 August and is a tough contest for the public to conquer and race up 1103 stairs of the Sky Tower, all to raise much-needed funds for LBC. Six of the 78 teams were made up of keen SKYCITY staff who collectively raised an impressive $22,154 for LBC.  

SKYCITY was thrilled to once again support and host the event for our charity partner with Group Chief Operating Officer, Michael Ahearne delighted to lead the way in fundraising - ranking in the top 10 fundraisers.

“It was thrilling participating in the event for the first time and great to being doing it alongside the huge contingent from SKYCITY – it’s fantastic to see staff band together and show support for our charity partner LBC.”

The SKYCITY teams were made up of staff from across the business including SKYCITY board Chairman Rob Campbell, Chief Executive Officer Graeme Stephens and Chief Operating Officer Michael Ahearne who were all participating in the event for the first time. Chief Financial Officer, Rob Hamilton gets a special mention for his outstanding time of 7.17 minutes and placing of sixth  overall.

To see more on team and individual times in the challenge visit: https://stepupclimb.org.nz/

The annual event is the only time the Sky Tower is open for members of the public (not just firefighters) to climb the stairs and Mr Ahearne says it’s encouraging to see so many New Zealanders who embrace the challenge whilst fundraising for LBC.

SKYCITY has a long relationship with LBC as one of our chosen charity partners for nearly 15 years. SKYCITY works with LBC on this event, the annual Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge and bi-annual Dining for a Difference. Together, these events at SKYCITY have now raised nearly $10million.