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TIES Climbs Strong for a Stronger Calgary and Canada

News

TIES Climb Strong 2026 has reached new heights!

The annual event by The Immigrant Education Society topped its goal of $25k — bringing in $35,853 and bringing out a record number of participants.

A total of 120 climbers, 30 volunteers, and numerous supporters climbed the 802 steps of the Calgary Tower — or at least cheered on those who did!

All climbing for a stronger Calgary. A stronger Alberta. A stronger Canada.

“TIES Climb Strong 2026 is more than about reaching the top of a tower,” TIES President and CEO Sally Zhao says.

“It’s about showing what we can accomplish when we support each other, encourage one another, and come together for a cause that matters.”

That cause: supporting newcomers. Something, Zhao says, has taken a significant financial hit.

“This event is even more important during this critical time. With this fundraiser, we want to raise some funds so that we can sustain some services and fill some service gaps.”

The Climbers

Some participants climbed with their teams. Some climbed with friends. Many climbed with family.

Sarah Lee conquered the tower steps with her husband Paul, nine-year-old son Connor, and seven-year-old daughter Cora.

“Being an immigrant myself, I want my children to know where they come from, the cultures they come from, and the community they’re part of — how it was built together,” Lee says.

Lee started at TIES as a volunteer teacher. Now, she’s a member of the nonprofit’s board of directors. Her family’s start in Canada 30 years ago was a humble one.

“I was raised by a single mother— it’s a big part of who I am,” Lee adds.

“All of these organizations that supported my mother and me as an immigrant; they’re very important to me and I’m so privileged to give back to the community this way. “ 

Kreisha Hilario echoes those sentiments. She came to Canada ten years ago.

“My family moved here without knowing anyone. Being alone just made us feel sad.”

Hilario, Senior Manager at TIES Centre for Immigrant Research, wasn’t alone on this climb.

Her team consisted of 11 members, 10 of them from her hometown Taft, Eastern Samar, Philippines. One of her teammates was Lem Dulfo.

“It was great,” he says of the climb.

“It’s a good bonding experience, and we can all say that we experienced this thing together. It’s a core memory for us.”

A memorable experience — many others also won’t soon forget.

Ricardo Guerrero is an instructor from MCG College and multiple marathon winner.

His family came to Canada as political refugees.

“I’m very, very, very grateful to this country. I’ve always been grateful.”

Corporate Support

TIES is extremely grateful to all of the corporate sponsors who contributed to the event.

Commercial real estate giant Avison Young stepped up as the Gold / Summit Sponsor, while many others also donated time and money.

“It is very encouraging, very inspirational to see so many corporate and community partners climbing together with us,” Zhao says.

“No one is climbing alone.”

“Climb Strong is only in its second year, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from our sponsors, partners, and community,” Climb co-lead and TIES Marketing & Communications Manager Rikka Pastorfide says.

“Everyone involved understands the role they play in building stronger communities. That shared sense of purpose is really what Climb Strong is about.”

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Thank you!

Summit Sponsor: