Want to help develop safe and accessible new routes in Ontario? Consider donating some money to The Hardware Fund.

While everyone enjoys climbing routes safely equipped with modern stainless steel hardware and top anchors, creating these climbs and upgrading the hardware on old classics takes time, money and effort. Traditionally, these costs were covered by a small, dedicated group that purchased the hardware with their own money and sacrificed their time so that we could all safely enjoy climbing in Ontario. Unfortunately the costs of stainless steel bolts, hangers and top anchors have increased, making it challenging for any single person to carry the re-equipping and route-building load. Rather than depending on the motivation and altruism of these few individuals, all climbers can now help by simply donating to the The Hardware Fund. Just choose a hanger, bolt or anchor set, select a quantity and make a donation for that amount via Paypal - that’s it. The money collected is put into a fund and used for equipping new routes or upgrading the rotting hardware on old lines.

But let’s be clear. The Hardware Fund is not a formal organization - there are no paid employees just waiting to be deployed on their next re-equiping mission. Instead this a grassroots initiative aimed at helping individuals who are updating old fixed gear or developing properly equipped new routes. As climbers, it’s our collective responsibility to ensure that the fixed hardware we use is appropriate for the climb - no individual or organization will do it for us. If climbers want new routes with modern bolts and top anchors, climbers must get involved. Donate now.