In just one month, hundreds of people will come together to climb as one of Prince George’s most iconic features – the cutbanks.
The fourth annual Climb for Cancer takes place on April 27, and this year set to be bigger than ever before.
“This year we decided we really wanted to step our level up even more so our goal here today is to raise $70,000 in this year alone,” says Doug Bell, co-chair for the Climb for Cancer. “We now have one month from today to be able to raise that level of money.”
Over the past three years, the Climb for Cancer has raised more than $107,000 with more than $50,000 of that coming from the climb in 2018 when more than 450 people took up the challenge.
The money raised goes directly to support the Kordyban Lodge, which provides accommodation for out-of-town patients who are receiving cancer treatments in Prince George.
“That money is really important because it costs almost $80,000 a month to be able to bring those services to the Kordyban Lodge, and they run almost exclusively off of volunteers,” explains Bell. “If we can get close to that number we are going to bring down the cost of services and increase the number of services given to the individuals at the lodge.”
Jana Peters, one of the founding members of the Climb for Cancer, explains how important the lodge is for people battling cancer.
“This year my 80-year-old cousin was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and he lives out in Stone Creek, which isn’t far but is far enough that he can’t get the services in Prince George,” says Peters.
“As we walked through [the lodge] he just kept looking at everything and he couldn’t believe it because it was a place that he would be comfortable with and would want to stay - He was blown away.”
Not only is the Climb for Cancer raising money for an important cause, but it’s also meant to be a fun event that people of all fitness levels can enjoy.
“We are going to have food all day, we are going to have games, we are going to have a scavenger hunt for kids, and prizes as well,” says Bell.
“We are bringing back the fastest male and female climber awards, we have our spirit awards so don’t be afraid to dress up, we have the Kordyban Cup for the team that raises the most money.”
To those who may be intimidated by the climb, Bell says to remember how supportive the climb will be.
“It’s really about having fun,” explains Bell. “Last year, we had quite a few cancer survivors coming out here, that weren’t really in good shape and hadn’t really ever climbed the cutbanks before, some of them made it and those that didn’t felt so amazing about how far they came.”
He says people who aren’t even interested in climbing the cutbanks are encouraged to come out and enjoy the day.
“We are really excited because, to-date, we have more sign-ups, we have more donated in advance, and we have more sponsors than ever before,” says Bell.
“But we have a lot of work to do, we have one month to get everyone signed up. We want you to challenge your friends and family to get out into Prince George, and to challenge them to get involved.”
The fourth annual Climb for Cancer takes place on Saturday, April 27 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northern Estate Lights Winery, and you can register by visiting the winery’s website and clicking on the banner.
