Breast Buddies’ efforts raise $25,000 for A Clear View

Submitted by EKFH on 20-02-2012

17 out of 27 skiers/boarders pose under the Legendary Fernie sign in celebration of the I’m a Breast Buddy accomplishment
Photo compliments of Jeni Sugiyama, RCR-Fernie Alpine Resort
 

The I’m a Breast Buddy fundraiser showcasing a two-day ski/board-a-thon to raise funds for East Kootenay Foundation for Health can officially be claimed a resounding success.

The event held recently at the Fernie Alpine Resort, enticed 27 enthusiastic I’m a Breast Buddy skiers and snow-boarders to collect pledges and donations all in support of the A Clear View – digital mammography campaign. The pledges and donations were based on the number of runs the individual would make over a two-day period and boy did they ever make an impact. With all pledge sheets in; Stephanie Rogers (Event Coordinator) and Donna Grainger (EKFH Executive Director) were astonished by the final tally of just over $25,000.

“What was amazing about this event is not just the financial gift; Stephanie as an event coordinator went over and above in ensuring everyone understood what the campaign is all about. I had so many people stopping by to just talk about the impact a digital stereotactic mammography unit will make for the region. Not only was the sunshine bright and beautiful during the event, the spirit of people living in the Elk Valley for this project is as well,” states Grainger.
 

A cross-section of participants from all over the world resulted in donations from North America, Europe, Australia and more. The I’m a Breast Buddy concept seemed to not only pull at the heart strings of the skiers and boarders but many participants sold their t-shirts to others while on the slopes and received pockets full of change while in the lift lines or at the day lodge. From pennies to single donations of $1,000 the I’m a Breast Buddy event was unique and fun.

The event could not have been possible if it weren’t for many people and businesses that participated in, supported or donated an item or time to the event.

EKFH wishes to recognize Stephanie Rogers and Evelyn Cutts for raising the profile of the great need for digital stereotactic mammography at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and for going above and beyond to create such an interesting event.

To RCR-Fernie Alpine Resort (Jeni Sugiyama & team) & TECK (Sparwood) your investment in your community and the East Kootenay Region is so appreciated. EKFH thanks you for hosting our event and for providing many of the marketing items and support needed to make sure it went off well.

Hats off to all the ski and board shops for accepting registrations and to the following for providing prizes for our highest pledge winners: Finning (Sparwood), Cat Rental Store, Pacific Coastal Airlines, Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge, Commit Snow & Skate, Elk Valley Wine & U Brew, Indian Springs Ranch & Golf Community, King Fir Spa, Park Place Lodge, Fernie Alpine Resort, Ski Base, Twisted Timber Guest House and Karen Twamley.

And last but not least to those women and men who took it upon themselves to get involved by raising pledges and donations, for sharing your stories, supporting your friends and for making the I’m a Breast Buddy event such a wonderful experience.

East Kootenay Foundation for Health’s A Clear View – digital mammography campaign is a 2-year, $1 million fundraising effort. Thanks to so many organizations, service clubs, events and individuals the campaign’s pledges and donations sits at just over $736,000 towards its goal.

The I’m A Breast Buddy event may be over but if the passion for helping someone who may face a breast cancer diagnosis appeals to you, you can still make a donation by visiting our secured websites: www.aclearview.ca or www.ekfh.ca.