Cyrus Centre holds its 16th annual Leap of Faith fundraiser in Abbotsford on Thursday, July 10.
The event at Skydive Vancouver (5112 Gladwin Rd.) raises money for services and programs for vulnerable youth in the Fraser Valley.
More than 100 people are currently registered to participate in the tandem skydive, and 66 of them are doing it for the first time.
One of the returning participants is Nelson Drozdowich, who turns 95 this month and is taking his 14th leap with Cyrus Centre. He has raised more than $100,000 for the cause during that time.
Others also participating in the event include Mayor Ross Siemens and Coun. Dave Sidhu, as well as representatives from the Abbotsford Police Department and Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service.
In addition to the skydives, the day features family-friendly festivities such as face-painting, bouncy castles and balloon arts from 3 to 7 p.m.
Participants must raise a minimum of $800 to jump, with all proceeds directly benefiting Cyrus Centre’s programs. For those interested in supporting without taking the dive, an option is available to "Fill a Plane" by sponsoring a youth.
Since 2004, Cyrus Centre Ministries has offered services that range from emergency shelter to counseling and transitional housing.
Cyrus Centre, located in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, operates the only youth shelter between Surrey and the Thompson Okanagan and serves youth ages 12 to 24 from across the province.
Visit cyruscentre.com for more information.
