Members of Abbotsford’s Kornicki family will participate for the sixth time in the BC Lung Association’s annual Climb the Wall event on Sunday, Feb. 24.
The stair-climb fundraiser is held at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre in support of the one in five British Columbians who struggle with lung conditions.
Chris Lam, CEO of the BC Lung Association, said the Kornicki family has raised more than $50,000 for lung-health research, education and patient support programs over the past five years.
“We’re extraordinarily grateful for their support,” Lam said.
Mom Nancy is a teacher and dad Cory works for the RCMP. Together with their children Megan, 17, and Morgan, 8, the family makes giving back to the community a priority.
“My parents have always emphasized the importance of making time to help and think of others – and how rewarding it can be,” said Megan, who serves as the family’s climb team captain.
“We truly enjoy training for the event, and participating together.”
The family has also participated for the last five years in the BC Lung Association’s other annual event – a two-day bike trek in September.
“They’re both a lot of fun, but I would say the stair-climb event is easier than cycling 200 km,” Megan said.
Last year, organizers welcomed climbers ranging in age from seven to 80.
This year, more than 300 climbers are anticipated – including the Kornicki family (aka “Team Slowly but Surely”) – and more than 100 firefighters show up annually, tackling the 48-storey climb in more than 50 pounds’ worth of protective firefighting gear and breathing apparatus.
To participate in Climb the Wall, participants pay a $25 registration fee and commit to fundraise a minimum of $125 in donations. In return, they receive a T-shirt and brunch.
For more information or to register, call 604-731-LUNG (toll free 1-800-665-LUNG) or email stairclimb@bc.lung.ca.