TIES Inaugural Climb for New Beginnings a Resounding Success

‍The Immigrant Education Society’s first ever Climb for New Beginnings took place at the Calgary Tower on Oct. 5th and by all accounts it was a fundraising and awareness-raising success.

The event featured 9 teams for a total of 65 climbers along with 35 staff/volunteers and cheerleaders conquering the 802 steps from the bottom of the Tower to the observation deck at the very top.

TIES had set its original fundraising goal at a modest $10,000 but that quickly grew to $20,000 and it’s still climbing!

“It went very well,” TIES CEO Sally Zhao said. “I believe it was a challenge for the majority of the climbers, but we did it!” ‍

Every participant was in it – to win it! Whether it was climbing, cheering from the top, spreading the word and of course raising funds, everyone was a rockstar!

Speaking of rockstars, let’s give it up for the Magnan Team! Headed by Marilyn Magnan, a TIES board member, her team raised an impressive $3,100.

“We really believe in TIES,” Marilyn Magnan said. “It’s a bunch of really good people working to support newcomers, and we want to support them.”

Magnan was also joined by another TIES board member Nalini Plesche and her daughter, Annisha Plesche, who were beaming when they arrived at the top.

‍

Thank You to our Event Sponsors!

TIES was also very fortunate to have several event sponsors on board and we extend a huge thank you to them. Event sponsors included: Charlesglen Toyota, CTV (Media Sponsor), Monster Mini Golf (In-kind) and ENMAX.

ENMAX not only sponsored and raised funds for TIES, but it also had a three-person team brave the climb.

‍

“It was definitely hard,” ENMAX employee and climber Kat Moores said. “Easier than I expected, but still a challenge."Team ENMAX joined for the love of a challenge and to support our community and the people in our community.

TIES would also like to thank the corporate teams who joined our climb, including Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada) Inc. and WK Family Lawyers! We appreciate your support.

AMPLIFYING OUR MESSAGE

We also extend our gratitude to the Calgary Tower for illuminating its iconic structure in red on event day, and to CTV Calgary, Global News Calgary, and Fairchild Radio for their coverage leading up to October 5th.

CTV Morning Live Show

‍Global News: Climb for New Beginnings supports Calgary’s newcomers

TIES understands the climb was not easy for everyone, just as we understand the steps to any new beginning can have its challenges. But we believe that together we can continue to conquer those steps and be stronger.

‍“We exceeded the (revised) fundraising goal but also we raised awareness in the community about the services we offer and the beauty of diversity,” Zhao added.

Watch more inspiring moments and event highlight on our YouTube channel.

‍

‍

To get involved or make a donation to TIES, click here.

‍

‍