On September 29, 2017 members from Vancouver’s thriving tech community found a new way to interface by participating in United Way’s Tech Grind. Teams raced to the top of Grouse Mountain and the infamous Grouse Grind, all while raising funds for United Way British Columbia. In total, almost $30,000 was raised for life-changing programs and services that help children, families and seniors across the Lower Mainland!
Teams of techies
Participating teams reflected Vancouver’s diverse and growing tech sector, and included Hootsuite, Sierra Systems, and Salesforce as well as VIP Package Presenting Sponsor IT/IQ Tech Recruiters and Supporting Sponsor SAXX. United Way staff also raised funds and threw on their hiking shoes and gear and raced their way to the top!
Cooler temperatures and a sprinkle of rain were the perfect conditions for what can be a gruelling hike up 2,830 stairs to an elevation of 2,800 feet. United Way’s mascot Seymour the Sea Otter was on hand to energize the hikers, joining in on some pre-Grind stretching and jumping jacks, and sending participants up the hill with encouraging high-5s. In total 124 participants scaled the mountain, each one a champion for their commitment to the cause – and our community!
A tight race to the top
There was a healthy competitive spirit to the climb, with a few participants breaking away from the pack and finishing in impressive times. The fastest woman to the top of the mountain was Olivia Norton from Next Level Games in a time of 50 minutes, while the fastest man Danny McCreery from LUX VFX completed the hike in just over 40 minutes.
Both Olivia and Danny won a pair of Canucks tickets to celebrate their speed. Well deserved indeed!
Team IT/IQ Tech Recruiters netted the most donations, raising $13,250 for United Way, and were gifted a selection of local coffee delights, included a new coffee grinder for their lunch room.
After ascending the peak, participants were treated to a wonderful buffet and gorgeous view in the Timber Room. Illana Zackon of Yoga Spirit and Wellness helped competitors sooth their sore muscles in a rejuvenating yoga cool-down while Mark Goldberg, member of United Way’s fundraising Campaign Cabinet working with the Tech sector thanked participants for their incredible performance both on and off the mountain, as champions of United Way.
Our greatest thanks to all the Tech Grind 2017 participants and donors, to all participating employers and teams, to event volunteers and special guests, to sponsors IT/IQ Tech Recruiters and SAXX. Everyone truly hacked this event.
We’ll see you next year!
Click here to view our flickr gallery of photos from the event.
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