On Saturday October 1st members from Vancouver’s thriving tech scene took a break from coding and creating to participate in Tech Grind, a hike up Mother Nature’s Stairmaster in support of United Way. Tech Grind challenged participants to raise funds for United Way British Columbia, then sweat it out on the notorious Grouse Grind®, a 2.9-kilometre trail up the face of Grouse Mountain. By race day teams had exceeded their collective goal of $20,000, bringing in $20,472 for United Way programs and services across the Lower Mainland. Congratulations!
Teams of techies and friends
Participating teams reflected Vancouver’s diverse tech sector, and included IT/IQ Tech Recruiters, Teligence, Mobify and Salesforce. United Way staff raised funds and threw on their hiking gear, and event sponsor Deloitte was also well-represented with a dedicated and supportive team. 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 new 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 31 participants scaled the mountain, each one a champion for their commitment to the cause – supporting United Way to help kids be all they can be, move families from poverty to possibility, and build stronger communities for all of us.
A tight race to the top
There was a healthy competitive spirit to the climb. A few participants broke away from the pack and finished in impressive time. The third place finisher was Cody Buckhammere of IT/IQ Tech Recruiters, with a time of 44 minutes. Caroline McNeill of Mobify finished second with a time of 43 minutes. And the fastest Tech Grinder of the day was Garth Cumming of Teligence, completing the Grouse Grind® at an incredible 38 minutes! Team IT/IQ Tech Recruiters netted the most donations, raising $6,830 for United Way. 
After ascending the peak, participants were treated to a wonderful buffet and gorgeous view in the Timber Room, courtesy of Presenting Sponsor Deloitte. Marcella Barrenechea of Yoga Spirit and Wellness helped grinders sooth sore muscles in a rejuvenating yoga cool-down. Jeff Smith, Chief Financial Officer at Mobify, presented the fastest hikers with prizes and thanked participants for their incredible performance both on and off the mountain, as champions of United Way. A member of the 2016 United Way Campaign Cabinet, Jeff Smith is one of dozens of community leaders volunteering their time to lead United Way’s annual fundraising campaign, helping make Metro Vancouver a place we’re proud to call home. Jeff lent his time to help organize and personally raised funds for Tech Grind. Our thanks to all the Tech Grind 2016 participants and donors, to all participating employers and teams, to event volunteers and special guests, to Cabinet Member and leader Jeff Smith, and to generous event sponsor and dedicated United Way partner, Deloitte. 
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