BC Lung Foundation’s Climb the Wall fundraising event has become an annual reunion of firefighters from around British Columbia. With over 200 firefighters climbing to the 48th storey of the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre in 2025 and even more projected for 2026, this unique physical challenge aligns perfectly with the training, camaraderie, and investment in lung health that the firefighting community holds.
While we always have out-of-towners, and sometimes even have teams travel from other provinces, this year’s 25th anniversary event on March 1st will see an international participant join us.
Meet Hagen Scherer, a 27-year-old participant all the way from Germany! Hagen is an avid stair climber and a passionate firefighter. Hagen came across the BC Lung Foundation and the Climb the Wall event online while planning his stair climb competitions for 2026. Climb the Wall immediately caught his attention, and without hesitation, he registered for an event on the other side of the world.
Hagen grew up as the son of a firefighter who has been actively serving for nearly 50 years. His father has always been a role model to him and a huge source of inspiration. For Hagen, being a firefighter also means being part of a family. “Standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow firefighters is an indescribable feeling—one that cannot be bought or replaced. Moments like these fill me with pure happiness. I am proud to take on this challenge together with my fire service brothers and sisters and to do something meaningful along the way,” says Hagen. “Being able to participate in this year’s event, especially during its 25th anniversary, is truly an honour for me.”
As a firefighter and an SCBA wearer, lung health is very close to Hagen’s heart. He knows first-hand how challenging it can be when breathing becomes difficult, when every breath takes effort; however, the difference for firefighters is that the experience is only for a short moment. “We can take off our gear, take a break, and recover. Many people living with lung disease don’t have that option. They don’t get a pause. They have to live with this reality every single day,” says Hagen. “That realization is deeply moving, and at the same time incredibly motivating. It reminds me why I commit myself to these causes, why I climb those stairs, and why I work to raise money for BC Lung—so that research, support, and awareness can continue to grow.”
For Hagen, stair climbs and other fundraising events are about setting a goal to help people all over the world, no matter how far away they are. He truly believes that community does not stop at borders, and that engagement and volunteering are essential—they remind us that it is worth actively contributing to society and standing up for what we believe in. When people come together with a shared purpose, distance becomes secondary.
Hagen emphasizes, “If my commitment can help others in any way, or encourage them to step forward, get involved, and maybe see this as an example to follow, then every mile traveled, and every step climbed is more than worth it.”
Learn more about Climb the Wall, register, and donate at climbthewall.ca.
