World Wildlife Fund-Canada’s Climb for Nature, taking place Oct. 24 at BC Place, is being promoted with a mascot race at Terry Fox Plaza featuring BC Lions’ Leo and Whitecaps’ Spike.
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Mascots from the BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps joined World Wildlife Fund-Canada’s giant panda mascot for a promotional race today at Terry Fox Plaza as the charity event countdown continues to WWF-Canada’s third annual Climb for Nature at BC Place on October 24.
The staged showdown paired the Lions’ Leo the Lion and the Whitecaps’ Spike the Kingfisher against WWF-Canada’s giant panda in an up-the-stairs challenge intended to raise awareness and encourage public participation in the Oct. 24 climb at the stadium.
A second participant was Squamish-based tower climber Shaun Stephens-Whale, identified in the event materials as a former wildland firefighter who holds speed records for Climb for Nature at BC Place and the CN Tower. According to the same release, he participated in the Terry Fox Plaza race alongside Leo, Spike and the giant panda mascot.
The Oct. 24 event offers two routes for climbers: completing the equivalent of 3,000 steps in the stadium’s single bowl or 6,000 steps in the double bowl. Organizers said registration will be available, with adult registration set at $20 and a $50 fundraising minimum, and youth and kids registration at $10 with a $30 fundraising minimum.
For participants, the release says they will receive a commemorative Climb for Nature T-shirt tied to their climb time and may be eligible for fundraising rewards based on how much they raise. It also notes a spectator area reserved to watch and cheer during the climb.
WWF-Canada said the conservation focus for the fundraiser reflects concerns about species decline across Canada and specific threats on the West Coast. The release cites WWF-Canada’s Living Planet Report Canada, saying 52 percent of monitored species are in decline nationwide, and it highlights that only about 75 Southern Resident killer whales remain in the Salish Sea amid escalating pressures including ship traffic, underwater noise, food shortages and pollution.
Proceeds from Climb for Nature, according to the materials, are directed to conservation work in B.C. and beyond. The release lists initiatives including restoring salmon habitat in the Lower Fraser watershed, regenerating forests after wildfire in the B.C. Interior, and reducing threats faced by West Coast whales.
In statements provided with the announcement, Shaun Stephens-Whale said he has supported WWF-Canada’s conservation efforts as something that is “deeply personal” after seeing impacts of climate change during his time as a wildland firefighter, framing the mascot race as a way to build momentum while underscoring that the “real challenge” is on Oct. 24 at BC Place. Kevin Cooper, WWF-Canada’s vice-president of community giving, described conservation as a “team sport,” and said B.C. is defined both by its nature and by residents’ passion to protect it. Duane Vienneau, CEO and president of the BC Lions, said the club’s community involvement and local pride extend beyond the field and include protecting natural landscapes, encouraging fans to take part on Oct. 24.
Organizers say the event is made possible by support from national sponsor Aviso. Registration is being directed to wwf.ca/bcplace, and media materials from today’s mascot race were made available through a provided media pack link.
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