'Ginormous Climb' At Former John Hancock Tower Raises Money For Children's Center

BOSTON (CBS/AP) -- Three hundred people participated in the third annual "Ginormous Climb" at the former John Hancock Tower to raise money for the Children's Advocacy Center of Suffolk County.

Boston Police, Beverly firefighters, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and other local organizations took part in the climb at the 60-story stairwell.

Beverly Fire Capt. Russ Halloran, one of 14 Beverly firefighters participating at the event, was drenched in sweat when he finished the climb. Each firefighter was carrying about 50 pounds of gear, he told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe.

One man, who completed his third climb, told WBZ, "I get slower every year, but I had a great time." He completed the climb in about eight minutes.

The center connects children who've been abused, neglected or exploited and caregivers with services in a child-centered environment. It allows victims to meet with police, prosecutors, health clinicians, social service providers and others at one location.

There were more than 1,500 reports of child physical and sexual abuse referred to the center a year ago.

The climb, which is one of several activities this month aimed at raising awareness about abuse, raised more than $100,000 in 2015. The amount raised at Saturday's event wasn't immediately known.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

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