“We had a fantastic weekend and raised over $20,000,” said Slopes for Hope coordinator Liana Shaw of the ski event for the Canadian Cancer Society held at the Kimberley Alpine Resort last weekend.
In addition to the money for the Cancer Society, an additional $1200 was raised for Jenna Homeniuk’s battle with leukemia through a Chops Your Locks event on Saturday.
The weekend began with opening ceremonies on Friday evening at the Stemwinder. Kimberley native, and renowned climber, Pat Morrow had been scheduled to be the keynote speaker but was unable to attend at the last moment.
Shaw was able to find a replacement — Bruce Kirkby, who road to the rescue at the last moment with power point in hand.
“He came with under an hour’s notice, which was so good of him,” Shaw said.
Saturday kicked off with Mayor Ron McRae, Councillor Darryl Oakley and Event Chair Liana Shaw on the first chair.
In all 31 skiers participated with online donations reaching over $15,000. In addition Resorts of the Canadian Rockies donations to the event totalled $10,100 and the Investors Group brought in $3,000.
Top Fundraisers and prizes were awarded to
- $7,083 Top Team - 2 Canucks & a Texan - Gord Jenkins, Ted Geisbrecht, Brian Lang & Craig Lang
$3,615 - Top Individual - Brain Lang
$2,668 - second Individual Gord Jenkins
$800 - third Individual -Michael Murphy
$730 - fourth Individual - Tim Williamson
Top Youth - Tyler Pelkonen
Second Youth - Ryan Hunt & Hunter Gawryluk
Top Child -Makaia Ballard
Second Child - Rowen Naegeli
Best Dressed Team - RDEK #1
Shaw says that she hopes to grow the event even bigger next year, perhaps adding a Nordic element.
Sponsors included Kimberley Alpine Resort, RCR, Investors Group Financial Services, Bruce Kirkby, Northstar Mountain Village, The Old Bauernhaus, Kootenay Raft Co., Josh Dueck, The Choice, Gerricks, Boardstiff, Byng Liquor, Home Hardware, Dollar Store in Tamarack Mall, Alpen Glow Bed & Breakfast, Standford Inn (Fernie), A&W, Dairy Queen, Kimberley, Independent School, New Image, Black Bear Fitness, Burrito Grill, Go Kimberley, La Lune do Chocolate, Overwaitea, Kootenay Knit & Apparel, Handz on Ceramics, High Country Sports, Kootenay Roasting Co., Boston Pizza, Moody Bee Lip Balm, City of Kimberley