Jessica Peters
Black Press
Most people who have MS don’t get a chance to hit the slopes.
It’s just too rigorous for those who experience constant pain and fatigue.
And it’s just too dangerous for those who go through loss of feeling in their limbs or vision and hearing loss.
But for people who don’t suffer through those MS symptoms — and want to help those who do — skiing and snowboarding are the perfect option.
Ski to End MS will be held for the first time ever at Hemlock Valley Ski Resort, hosted by the MS Society of Canada’s Fraser Valley Chapter, February 20. And all you have to do to help, is pledge yourself to spend a day on the slopes.
“If you raise the minimum amount of pledges, you get a free lift ticket and rental,” said Deanna McIntyre, event organizer for the chapter.
The event is run much like the Walk for MS, in which you can go online and register and download pledge forms.
But the event is meant to capture the attention of a different demographic, and the same event has been popular in other areas, such as Vancouver Island.
“It’s been quite successful there, and it’s interesting that it draws a different crowd,” McIntyre said. She’s hoping to see about 50 people sign up. At a minimum of $150 in order to ski free (for adults), that could add up to $7,500 for the society.
“Given the size of our chapter area here, it shouldn’t be hard,” she said.
The Fraser Valley Chapter covers Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Chilliwack, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Boston Bar and every small community in between.
She’s also hoping to draw in skiers and snowboarders from the Metro Vancouver area.
Already signed up are a few of the board members for the society, she added.
“I don’t know if I’ll be hitting the planks myself though,” she said. “There will be a lot of organizing to do up there.”
There are different levels of pledging depending how old you are. Adults ages 19 to 64 are required to raise $150. Seniors 65 and older need $100. Youth ages 13 to 18 need to pledge $75. Children ages seven to 12 need to raise $50 and tots, ages six and under, pledge $25.
Those who meet the minimum pledge amounts also will receive a discounted lunch. Anyone who has a 2010-2011 Hemlock Resort Season’s Pass can reduce their pledge minimum by 25 per cent. There are prizes at the end of the day, and all participants will receive a toque.
For more information, call 604-746-9331 (toll free 1-877-746-9331) or email deanna.mcintyre@mssociety.ca.