For the sixth time, the Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser, Slopes For Hope, returns to Kimberley Alpine Resort. The date set is March 4, leaving participants plenty of time to come up with pledges.
Slopes For Hope was founded in Kimberley and has since spread to other ski hills in the province.
This year there are eight other Slopes For Hope events at Southern Interior ski hills, says Jenn Smith, annual Giving Coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society.
“Thanks to fundraising by participants and generous donations from local businesses, this annual event has raised over $156,000 in Kimberley alone since its creation in 2011,” said Smith.
Supporting the event once more this year will be Kimberley’s Josh Dueck, multiple Paralympic medalist. Although he cannot attend this year, Dueck says he will do whatever he can to support, as cancer has had an immediate impact on his family.
“As we all know, cancer is ruthless. I have seen it take friends young and old, without prejudice. Recently my father was diagnosed with liver cancer and told he had less than a year to live. Thankfully, that was nearly two years ago and thanks to the medical community his condition has stabilized and his quality of life improved immensely.
“It has been really tough to see my old man go through this, the stress it has put on our entire family and the unimaginable pain it has caused my mother. This experience has been more than enough motivation for me to lend a hand to this cause that effects so many people, families, communities across the globe. Together we can support the mission to find a cure and improve the qualities of life for those living with this devastating disease.
“Even though I will not be with you in person, I will be in spirit. It would bring great joy if you would join me in celebrating (and supporting) our friends who are living with, or have passed from this disease. Here is to our late friends who fought bravely — Bob McWhinnie, Bonnie Boyd, Mike Colburn, Phillip Pool and the many others who never gave up hope.”
Although the day is all about having fun and raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society, the residents of Kimberley and Cranbrook are no different than any other community in Canada — many have been touched by cancer. On event day, participants will be given an armband that can be personalized with the name(s) of those they wish to honour.
Some of the exciting new things this year:
• Reduced registration fee! Only $10 for adults (free for youth 18 and under)
• Half price lift ticket for all Alpine participants (without a season pass) on event day.
• Free day pass for all Nordic participants (without a season pass) on event day.
• Participants who raise $150 or more will have their name entered into a draw for a chance to win 2 return tickets from Pacific Coastal Airlines from Cranbrook to either Vancouver or Kelowna.
• Conquer The Kootenays: Fisher Peak, Teepee, Tanglefoot and Northstar mountains. Alpine Challenge: ski/snowboard 20 runs on Main at the Kimberley Alpine Resort. Nordic Challenge: ski 4 loops of the 6 km trail at the Kimberley Nordic Centre.
• Family activities
Challenge your friends and coworkers in raising funds for this important cause. Register and fundraise online or pick up a registration package from the Kimberley Visitor Information Centre near the Platzl. Be a participant, find a participant to sponsor, or donate online, all at www.slopesforhope.ca. Don’t forget to like Slopes For Hope on Facebook.