What started as a conversation before the climb has turned into one of Lloydminster’s most visible winter fundraisers.
When Ean Bull spoke to The Border Pulse ahead of this year’s Geek on the Peak, he was calm, reflective, and fully aware of what he was about to put himself through.
More than 63 hours later, Bull and fellow Kinsmen member Louis Stang are living 24 feet above the ground on an open scaffolding platform near the Highway 16 and 17 border crossing, having already raised more than $41,000 for TeleMiracle.
The 120 hour endurance fundraiser marks TeleMiracle’s 50th anniversary and revives a challenge Bull first completed 20 years ago.
“TeleMiracle has always been important in my life,” Bull said during the interview, conducted before the ascent.
“I’ve supported it for over 28 years. This year felt like the right time to bring it back.”
Why do it again
Bull said revisiting the challenge was not about nostalgia or personal gain, but awareness.
“It’s not about me,” he said.
“I wanted to bring awareness to TeleMiracle 50 and to service clubs. They do a lot of good, but people think they don’t have time.”
During the interview, the interviewer pointed out how much time people often spend on their phones each day.
Bull said even a small shift can make a difference.
“Two hours a day could be used for Kinsmen or any service club,” he said.
“The benefit you get back is huge.”
What they were preparing for
Before climbing the scaffolding, Bull acknowledged the biggest challenge would be exposure.
“The wind,” he said.
“When you’re 24 feet up, it’s colder, the wind hits harder, and the snow makes things more interesting.”
There is no roof on the platform. The pair planned to sleep inside a custom-built igloo known as the “Penguin House,” relying on proper winter gear rather than heat sources.
“We’re not worried about staying warm,” Bull said.
“I’ve got my winter gear from my military days. We’ll be fine.”
He added that even the sleeping bag had already been tested.
“The dog tried it first,” Bull said.
“He seemed comfortable.”
Reaching a new generation
Bull said Geek on the Peak has evolved significantly since it first ran two decades ago.
Instead of traditional fundraising targets, this year’s event relies on livestreaming, online chats, and donation milestones.
“It’s a different medium now,” he said.
“People can see the numbers climb in real time. They donate a dollar, five bucks, whatever they can, and feel part of it.”
Bull said that approach helps reach younger audiences.
“You’ve got to create a visual connection,” he said.
“It’s how you reach people where they already are.”
Why it matters locally
Bull emphasized that TeleMiracle dollars raised locally largely stay local through the Kinsmen Foundation.
The foundation helps cover medical equipment, travel, and health-related expenses for families facing difficult circumstances.
“This money comes right back into the community,” Bull said.
“Hospital equipment, Pioneer Lodge support, helping families with medical costs.”
He said roughly 95 per cent of funds raised in the area return to Lloydminster and surrounding communities.
“In many cases, this area actually gets more back than what it puts in,” he said.
The climb continues
Geek on the Peak began Sunday at 5 p.m. and runs through Friday evening, followed by the TeleMiracle Steak Night at the Lloydminster Exhibition this weekend, where the Penguin House igloo will be auctioned.
As of Wednesday, Bull and Stang remain on the platform, continuing to livestream and interact with supporters as donations climb.
“This community is pretty special,” Bull said before heading up.
“When people are going through tough times, this is one way we show up.”
Donations and livestream access are available at geekonthepeak.com.
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