We're excited to have you onboard! Check out frequently asked questions below for information regarding the TIES Climb Strong 2026 event. If you still have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at communications@immigrant-education.ca. An email with important event details will also be sent to attendees prior to the event. We look forward to seeing you at the Tower!
Donations made through CanadaHelps are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.The event registration fee is not eligible for a tax receipt.
Our Corporate Challenge is designed to bring Calgary organizations together for a friendly fundraising competition.
Corporate Sponsors
Create a company fundraising team.Invite employees to join the team.
Set an optional fundraising goal.
Showcase your organization's impact on our campaign page.
Individual Climbers
If you're not part of a corporate team, we encourage you to join Team TIES. You'll be featured alongside this year's Corporate Challenge participants and can help raise funds for newcomer success. Fundraising is optional for all participants.
Absolutely! Once you've joined your Corporate Team or Team TIES, you can customize your fundraising page with your story, a photo, and an optional fundraising goal. Sharing your page is a great way to inspire friends, family, and colleagues to support your climb and help create stronger futures for newcomers.
There are many ways to support TIES Climb Strong without climbing:
An email with important event details will be sent to you prior to the event of your assigned batch check-in time. The climb runs from 8:00 am - 10:00 am.
The average climb time is 15-30 minutes, but your time may vary depending on your fitness level and pace.
Nope! It's all about completing the 802 steps at your own pace and having fun while supporting a great cause. Feel free to set your own speed goal and use a timer if you like, but remember to listen to your body and stay safe. Take breaks if needed, and enjoy the experience!
It's required by the Calgary Tower for everyone participating in the climb. For faster check-in during the event, please bring a printed and signed copy of the Waiver Form as required by the Calgary Tower. Blank forms will also be available on-site.
Climbers under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian accept this waiver at time of registration.
The Palliser Parkade, located at 120 -10th Avenue SW, is connected to the Calgary Tower and can be easily accessed via 9th Avenue or 10th Avenue. The West Parkade on 9th Avenue (near Fairmont Hotel) provides a closer entrance to the Tower. Parking is available on weekends for a flat rate of $6.
The Calgary Tower is accessible by many bus routes and is only a short walk from many downtown C-Train stations. The closest bus stops are 5518, 3884, and 7380 and the closest C-Train stations are 1st Street SW or Centre Street. Please visit Calgary Transit to plan your trip.
Head to the Calgary Tower Lobby. We'll be there to greet you!
Water bottle and a small backpack or fanny pack for personal items are allowed.
Prohibited Items: No alcohol, weapons, drugs, or anything bulky and hazardous for the climber or others in the stairs.
A coat rack will be available in the lobby area. Any belongings will need to be retrieved before the Tower opens to the public at 10:00 am.
You'll finish on the Observation Deck with with breathtaking views of the city. Plus, explore the Calgary Tower Theatre and enjoy some well-deserved refreshments while our cheerleaders congratulate you on your awesome accomplishment!
Once you start, there are no exits until you reach the top. Remember, this isn't a race, so take your time and listen to your body. The average climb time is 15-30 minutes, but your time may vary depending on your fitness level and pace. We'll have first aid volunteers stationed at the entrance, halfway and at the top of the stairwell.
All participants should be prepared to climb all 802 steps of the Calgary Tower.
Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe athletic shoes suitable for climbing stairs. If you're participating as part of a Corporate Challenge Team, we encourage you to wear your company shirt, branded apparel, or team colours to show your team spirit and help us celebrate your organization's participation. For safety reasons, costumes, flip-flops, sandals, or other inappropriate footwear are not permitted.
Most of the stairs have open risers (you could see through it). The only stairs with solid risers are the first two sets at the very bottom and the final two sets at the very top.
Yes! We'll have light refreshments at the lobby and the top of the Observation Deck.
You can find the closest washrooms on the Observation Deck. Take the elevator to get there.
Gear Check: Ensure your shoes are securely tied and your clothing is comfortable. No loose items that could cause tripping hazards.
Be mindful of others: This climb is not a race. Move at your own pace, be aware of those around you, and allow others to pass when it's safe and convenient. If you need to rest, step aside completely to avoid blocking others.
Hydration: Stay hydrated! Avoid spilling water in the stairwell – this is a hazard for other climbers.
Listen to Your Body: Step aside to rest. Seek assistance if needed.
Community Spirit: Look out for each other and help anyone in need. Offer encouragement and support fellow climbers.
Official TIES Climb Strong event shirts are provided to volunteers only. If you're participating as an individual climber, we encourage you to wear red to represent TIES and show your support for newcomer success. Should you wish to order a shirt, please reach out to communications@immigrant-education.ca
If you're climbing as part of a Corporate Challenge Team, we encourage your team to wear your company shirts, branded apparel, or matching team colours to showcase your organization.
Wearing company apparel is completely optional, but it adds to the fun and helps create an exciting atmosphere on climb day.🏆 New this year: We'll be presenting a Team Spirit Award to the team that shows the most enthusiasm, creativity, and team pride!
We love cheerleaders! As the Tower will be closed to the public during the event, they'll need to pre-register as a guest here to cheer you on from the top. Guest fee is $25 (covers facility & admin costs).
The best way to start is by simply asking! Share your personal campaign page with friends and family via email, social media or text. Update them regularly on your progress.
Click here for more fundraising tips!
Absolutely! Tell your story, share photos, and make it your own.
There's no minimum fundraising requirement, but setting a personal and team goal is a great way to stay motivated! Share your page and share often during the campaign!
Your generosity will help more newcomers successfully transition into the Canadian workforce and contribute to the local economy through TIES programs. Every step you take and every dollar you raise will equip them with essential skills and resources to thrive and build fulfilling lives in their new home, Canada.
Established in 1988, The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to empowering newcomers and Canadians in need. With three locations across Calgary and a robust e-learning portal, TIES offers a range of programs, from language instruction and employment training to mental health support, childcare, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy based on best practices. Learn more at www.immigrant-education.ca.
Donations made online through the CanadaHelps website will automatically be issued and emailed a tax receipt. Donation period for the TIES Climb campaign is open until October 3rd (Event Day).
Still have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at communications@immigrant-education.ca if you need additional help. We look forward to seeing you at the Tower!
Ready to join the TIES Climb challenge? Click here to get your tickets.
Join The Climb, foster teamwork, and fundraise on behalf of TIES with your friends or co-workers.
Learn More
Donate directly to support the TIES climb team! Be recognized as a Community Supporter when you donate $500 or more.
Learn More