How One Kiwi Firefighter Quietly Raised $20,000,000

Dom Harvey

Episode Description

Today’s guest is one of those people who quietly makes New Zealand a better place.

Tony Scott (aka Scottie) has spent more than 30 years in the fire service.

And chances are, even if you don’t know his name, you’ve seen the impact of his work.

Scottie is the man behind the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge: the iconic annual event where firefighters climb 1,103 steps in full gear to raise money for Blood Cancer New Zealand.

What started as a small idea with a handful of firefighters has now raised almost 20 million dollars for Kiwis battling cancers. And this episode is being released to coincide with the 21st anniversary of this iconic Kiwi fundraiser, as well as the sky tower challenge.

We find out who Scotty is – his early years, the stutter he had to overcome to get the job of his dreams, the emotional toll of recovering bodies and saving lives, his reaction when he was awarded a Kings service medal and much more.

After spending a couple of hours with Scottie, you discover pretty quickly that this isn’t about publicity or recognition for him.

He’s just one of those genuinely good humans who gets a lot of fulfilment out of helping other people.

There’s a lot of heart in this episode.

This is Tony Scott – Scottie.

***

Who should be on the podcast next? Message Dom Instagram: @domharveynz Email: [email protected]

If you enjoyed the podcast and would like for your business to sponsor an episode, please email [email protected]

Brief Summary

Tony Scott discusses his firefighting career, overcoming challenges, and the Sky Tower Challenge fundraising event.

Key points

  • Overcoming Adversity. A life-changing accident leads to a journey of resilience and purpose.
  • A Lifelong Dream. From a troubled youth to a dedicated firefighter, passion drives the journey.
  • Overcoming Stuttering. The speaker shares their journey from severe stuttering to public speaking.
  • Mental Health in First Responders. The importance of talking about mental health and seeking help is emphasized.
  • A Day at the Office. Navigating emotional barriers after a tough day at work.
  • Saving Lives. The emotional high of saving someone’s life and the bond it creates.

Ask about Dom Harvey

Episode highlights

Tension

45/ 100Some tension

Related episodes