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Adventure Challenge funds Canuck Place

Races raise money for children's hospice facility and Matthew's House

The Innovative Fitness Canuck Place (IFCP) Adventure Challenge is taking place in North Vancouver on Saturday, Sept. 15 for the seventh year, and for the second year in Cultus Lake on Sunday, Sept. 16.

The unique race is a benefit for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, which specializes in pediatric palliative care for B.C. children living with life-threatening illness and support for their families.

“Canuck Place is an excellent local charity,” said Yoshia Burton, the principal at Innovative Fitness Abbotsford.

“We have a longstanding relationship with them ... they need our help to get the funds together. Canuck Place is run and funded by volunteers and donations so they need all the help they can get.”

The event also raises funds for Matthew’s House, a respite facility for children with severe disabilities. It will become part of the new Campus of Care project that includes a new Canuck Place facility, near the Abbotsford Regional Hospital, as well as the Holmberg House adult hospice.

The goal of the event is to raise $300,000, and so far $189,000 has been donated.

All participants must have a minimum of $1,000 in pledges. Last year the two races raised $285,000 – funds raised by sponsoring racers who bike 50 km, kayak four km and hike five km on the challenge day.

In addition to a charity race, it is also a landmark event for people who train to get fit, or compete.

“The people who train for this event vary widely in terms of their physical fitness levels. Some people are first-time racers and some are very dedicated ‘hard core’ adventure racers,” Burton said.

The first year saw 80 people kayaking, cycling and hiking at  Cultus Lake park. This year, the long course race starts at 8:30 a.m. and the short course 10 a.m.

To make a donation, visit adventurechallenge.ca.