The inaugural Brisbane Vertical Night Sprint (BVNS) will see 500 people getting sweaty for a great cause on 6 June 2019, including two of the world’s 10 best stair climbers.
With all funds raised going to the Brisbane Youth Service, this event is the only stair challenge in Australia to be staged at night time and will see participants race their way up 707 stairs (39 floors) to the top of the Student One Wharf Street building in Brisbane’s CBD.
At the top, they’ll reach the sanctuary of the rooftop Sky Lounge where there’ll be plenty of food, drink and live music to celebrate and BVNS medals for all participants.
Student One CEO Tim Weston said they’re extremely proud to be partnering with Brisbane Youth Service (BYC) for the event.
“We chose to partner with Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) as Student One is a Brisbane-based student accommodation provider and we wanted to raise money and awareness for a cause that we felt our students could relate to and was in our own city,” he said.
“Brisbane Youth Service has been helping homeless, marginalised and vulnerable young people aged 12 to 25 years and young families around Brisbane for over 40 years.
“With all their services provided free of charge, we are extremely proud to hopefully become their main supporter via the Brisbane Vertical Night Sprint event, by raising in excess of $50,000.”
Mr Weston said the Student One Wharf Street building was confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s tallest purpose-built student accommodation when it opened in 2018.
“From the very first day we jokingly talked about running up all 707 stairs, before it became a serious idea earlier this year.
“If we can make this an annual event we will be able to give back to our community and make Brisbane an even better place to study and live.”
Brisbane Youth Service CEO Annemaree Callander said they’re “thrilled” to be the recipients of funds raised.
“Every year, more young people come to BYS seeking help,” she said.
“The money raised will ensure BYS is able to meet the growing demand for our services and help young people move out of crisis and successfully transition to independence.”
She said the funds will help BYS to house young people, provide household furniture and other items to help young people make a home, and help them provide medical care and offer the support and resources young people need to upskill and enter the workforce.
“We deliver a comprehensive range of services which help young people to find and maintain appropriate housing, address physical and mental health issues, build positive relationships and engage in education, training and employment,” she said.
“Last year 1,355 young people accessed ongoing support from BYS and a further 1,505 people were assisted through casual contact such as phone support or street outreach.
“Last year we also saw a 71% reduction in homelessness, 60% fewer young people at risk of suicide, an increase in employment from 5% to 20% and a 71% reduction in exposure to serious violence.
“BYS is making a real difference in the lives of young people and with this kind of continued support, we can continue to strive for our vision of creating ‘New Futures for Young People’.”
