Snow enthusiasts are invited to strap into their bindings and ski or board the vertical height of Mount Everest in a fight against cancer.
The Canadian Cancer Society is teaming up with Red Mountain Resort and local organizers to present the second annual Slopes for Hope, a ski-a-thon event held March 16 that invites participants to ski 29,092 feet in one day (either individually or as a team effort).
“It is unique in the fact that is is a winter enthusiast event inviting skiers, snowboarders and all people who love to play in the snow to join the fight against cancer as we take it to the slopes,” said Allison McCarthy, annual giving coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society’s B.C. and Yukon division.
“The purpose of this event is to raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society in the pursuit of our mission: the eradication of cancer and enhancement of the quality of life for those living with cancer.”
Slopes for Hope takes place at various ski hills throughout B.C., including Hemlock, Powder King, Kimberley, Whitewater and Red.
The fundraiser just took place at Whitewater last Saturday and prior to that in Kimberley Feb. 8, where $40,000 was raised.
The event started in Rossland in 2012, when about $3,500 was given, but took a hiatus last year. McCarthy hopes to make this an annual event at Red with a $5,000 goal in mind for this year.
Participants are asked to fundraise prior to the event and all those who raise at least $100 per adult and $50 per youth will receive a half-price lift ticket for the day of the event and be eligible to win prizes.
Funds raised through the event will help the Canadian Cancer Society fund cancer research and prevention initiatives and support services.
For more information or to register go to slopesforhope.ca or contact McCarthy at 364-0403 or via email at amccarthy@bc.cancer.ca.