Thousands Climb Grandview Stairs to Support Kids’ Camps

On March 16, 2024, participants gathered at the Grandview Stairs in south Edmonton for the annual Healthy Steps for Change event, a fundraising challenge organized by the Alberta non-profit, Change Health. This year, the initiative aims to raise $25,000 for the Change Adventure Camp, which provides day camps and after-school programs for children aged six to twelve, particularly focusing on those from low-income families.

For the past decade, the Healthy Steps for Change challenge has encouraged individuals to climb the 239 stairs of the Grandview Stairs as many times as possible, with participants seeking sponsorship for each ascent. Last year, climbers collectively completed a staggering 1,134,719 stairs and raised over $17,000, setting a high bar for this year’s goal of one million steps.

The event not only promotes physical activity but also emphasizes the importance of mental well-being. Doug Klein, a local family doctor and board member of Change Health, played a crucial role in organizing the event. He noted the link between physical health and mental well-being, stating, “What I see in my office, a lot of it is preventable by what we do, what we eat, how we move. Mental health issues are becoming more and more of something I’m seeing.”

Participants were excited to join the challenge, with many sharing their reasons for taking part. Sophie Bosse, who initially planned to work out alone at home, decided to participate after discovering the event. “I was like, well, I shouldn’t be a weirdo in my basement. I should go run for something useful here,” she remarked.

Another participant, Jacob Dement, had just completed a marathon but still came out to support his friend Emma, who is Klein’s daughter. He mentioned that many of Emma’s friends joined in for the climb, showcasing the event’s community spirit.

The challenge runs throughout the day until 19:00, allowing participants to come and go as they please, adding their steps to the final tally. More information about how to sponsor or register for future events can be found on the Change Health website.

This year’s Healthy Steps for Change serves as not only a fun community activity but also a vital fundraiser supporting the development of essential life skills for children, ensuring that they have the resources to thrive.