Hundreds of Calgarians step up in Crescent Heights to help end homelessness
About 300 people laced up their runners and tackled the McHugh Bluff staircase to help bring an end to homelessness in Calgary.
For every set of the 176 steps that are completed; one dollar is donated to Inn from the Cold and those donations will be match by the Power of One Foundation.
“At Inn from the Cold, 50 per cent of our budget comes from community donations and that's super critical right now, because of the housing crisis, we are seeing more and more families reaching out for support,” said Emma MacIsaac, director of impact and engagement at Inn from the Cold
“That money just helps us continue to provide shelter, housing, wraparound supports for families that are facing the housing crisis and have increased bills as a result of inflation and affordability.”
Steps to End Homelessness was startedin 2009 by Suzanne West, who wanted to do something significant and impactful on her 45th birthday.
“My sister when she turned 45 phoned me and said she wanted to do 45 sets of the Crescent Heights stairs for her birthday and wanted to know if I would join her and I was like, no, that sounds horrible,” said her sister Kathy Rwamuningi.
“Then two days later, she phone and says well, I'm making it a fundraiser, for every set that I and whoever wants to join me does I'll donate $1.
"Then it was a different charity but the next year Inn from the Cold became the benefactor and has had a good partnership ever since.”
Suzanne died in 2019, but her family is committed to continuing this fundraiser.
“These were her stairs. It was her favourite day of the year, favourite thing that she wanted to do. I love coming and feeling her energy here,” said Rwamuningi.
Steps to End Homelessness has raised nearly half a million dollars since it launched in 2009.
This year organizers hope to eclipse the $100,000 mark.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy license bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Lice removal companies in the GTA say they're seeing a surge in infestations this year
After nearly 15 years in business, Shawnda Walker said the past 12 months has been the busiest year yet for her North York head lice removal company.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.