258 Calgarians recently took the stairs and climbed 3,439 steps up the McHugh Bluff to raise over $157,750 for Inn from the Cold, a group that helps families experiencing housing instability.

Calgary’s most famous staircase was extra busy recently as hundreds of people took part in the Steps to End Homelessness to support families facing housing challenges. Participants climbed up and down the stairs to raise money and awareness for homelessness.

This was the 15th edition of the Steps to End Homelessness event, with the aim of raising over $100,000 to help families move out of homelessness and build a better future. During the event, every step taken by a participant had a special meaning tied to the impact of Inn from the Cold. For example, 352 steps (twice up and down McHugh Bluff) represented the number of children helped by Inn from the Cold in 2023; 622 steps (four times) represented the total number of family members housed; and 1,545 steps (nine times up and down McHugh Bluff) represented the number of families served by Inn from the Cold so far.

The Steps to End Homelessness initiative was started in 2009 by community advocate Suzanne West, who was deeply committed to helping end child and family homelessness. Her passion inspired many others, and the event is now held in her memory. The event is supported by Inn from the Cold, which runs the largest family shelter in Alberta.

The Power of One Foundation, created by West’s family, matches all donations to the event. Over the years, the event has raised more than $400,000, with participants climbing stairs and fundraising to support families in need. Organizers say it is a way for the community to come together, step by step, to make a real difference.

Source: Stephen Hunt, CTV News