Almost $210,000 raised for Whistler Water One Climb
Close to 700 participants flood the Grind to support Free The Children
June 8, 2015
(North Vancouver) The Grouse Grind was ‘flooded’ this morning as close to 700 people clad in blue and sporting painted faces and hair hiked the iconic trail during Whistler Water One Climb in an action-packed day of fundraising and achievement.
Now in its third year, Whistler Water One Climb challenged participants to dress in blue and “flood” the Grouse Grind all in an effort to provide clean drinking water to a very deserving community in Kenya. With donations still coming in, One Climbers have delivered almost $210,000 in just three years, 100 percent of which will be directed to Free The Children's water project in the Kenyan community of Kipsongol.
Notably, contributions from top individual fundraiser Phoebe Chen ($1,594), top school fundraiser Ross Road Elementary ($1,200) and top team fundraiser KPMG ($6,950) helped contribute more than $32,000 this year alone. To put it in perspective, $25 provides a lifetime of clean water to one person, which means 8,372 people have been positively impacted by Whistler Water One Climb to date.
Kicking off the festivities, Change Heroes founder and Free The Children ambassador Taylor Conroy was on-hand to share his experiences and provide inspiration before the crowd participated in a rousing rendition of the We Day Dance. Following their ascent of the Grind, participants were treated to a carnival-style mountaintop celebration on the Alpine Plaza including a barbecue and interactive activities courtesy of Whistler Water One Climb partners.
“We are so pleased with the outpouring of support for Whistler Water One Climb,” said Grouse Mountain and Whistler Water president Stuart McLaughlin. "For the third year in a row, One Climb participants have outdone themselves. Their generosity has helped provide the Kenyan community of Kipsongol with a lifetime of clean water, while sparing women and young girls the grueling daily task of collecting this valuable resource. A sincere thank you to the young climbers, business and community leaders, teams, groups and all individuals for their tireless fundraising efforts and contribution to the incredible atmosphere here today.”
Now in its third year, Whistler Water One Climb challenged participants to dress in blue and “flood” the Grouse Grind all in an effort to provide clean drinking water to a very deserving community in Kenya. With donations still coming in, One Climbers have delivered almost $210,000 in just three years, 100 percent of which will be directed to Free The Children's water project in the Kenyan community of Kipsongol.
Notably, contributions from top individual fundraiser Phoebe Chen ($1,594), top school fundraiser Ross Road Elementary ($1,200) and top team fundraiser KPMG ($6,950) helped contribute more than $32,000 this year alone. To put it in perspective, $25 provides a lifetime of clean water to one person, which means 8,372 people have been positively impacted by Whistler Water One Climb to date.
Kicking off the festivities, Change Heroes founder and Free The Children ambassador Taylor Conroy was on-hand to share his experiences and provide inspiration before the crowd participated in a rousing rendition of the We Day Dance. Following their ascent of the Grind, participants were treated to a carnival-style mountaintop celebration on the Alpine Plaza including a barbecue and interactive activities courtesy of Whistler Water One Climb partners.
“We are so pleased with the outpouring of support for Whistler Water One Climb,” said Grouse Mountain and Whistler Water president Stuart McLaughlin. "For the third year in a row, One Climb participants have outdone themselves. Their generosity has helped provide the Kenyan community of Kipsongol with a lifetime of clean water, while sparing women and young girls the grueling daily task of collecting this valuable resource. A sincere thank you to the young climbers, business and community leaders, teams, groups and all individuals for their tireless fundraising efforts and contribution to the incredible atmosphere here today.”
