Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and changes to its format, the 2020 Climb for Cancer rose beyond its fundraising goal.
The planning committee for the fifth annual Prince George event set the goal at $35,000.
As of today (Aug. 19), the event raised $38,000 with donations coming in.
The funds help the Kordyban Lodge cover its roughly $1-million operating amount each year. The lodge provides a home away from home for that needed cancer treatment from the central and northern B.C.
Due to COVID-19, this year's Climb for Cancer required teams to pre-register for one of four days and had 20 minutes to climb from top to bottom as many times as they wish to ensure physical distancing guidelines were being followed.
It had originally been scheduled to take place in April for just one day, but was rescheduled to Aug. 8, 9, 15 and 16.
“The Planning Committee is thrilled with the number of participants and the continued support of our sponsors, which enabled the Climb for Cancer to go ahead under very trying circumstances,” Planning Committee Chair Doug Bell says in a release.
“We are blown away by the amount of money raised and are so grateful to all of our sponsors, participants, and volunteers for their amazing support.”
Bell also announced there is now permanent signage installed on the cutbanks after receiving approval from the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG).
"This will help boost participation levels in years to come by keeping the Climb for Cancer at the forefront of people’s minds year-round."
Donations are accepted year-round but anyone wanting to donate to this year's total will need to do so by Sept. 30 online.
Any received after that date will go toward the fundraising goal of the 2021 Climb for Cancer.
Since the event started in 2015, a total of $210,000 has been raised by participants and sponsors.
