Melanoma Canada is organizing the 7 Summits Snowshoe Challenge for Skin Cancer, which will wrap up with an event at Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte.
The third annual fundraiser began Feb. 1.
Throughout the month, participants will take part in a virtual snowshoe expedition, covering 43.29 kilometres, which is the equivalent to scaling the world’s seven tallest summits, Melanoma Canada stated in a news release.
Those interested in registering can do so at 7summits.ca, taking part individually or as part of a team.
An in-person Snowshoe, Sip and Savour event will take place March 3 at Hardwood Ski and Bike, where qualified participants and ticket buyers can join for the final five kilometres of the challenge.
The event will include breakfast from Burnbrae Farms, food and drink stations featuring celebrity chefs Massimo Capra, Lynn Crawford, Christian Pritchard and Darrin Biggdog Caerels, live entertainment, activities, and an in-person snowshoe challenge.
Tickets for the in-person event can be purchased online for $250. Any virtual participant who raises $250 is invited to attend. Snowshoe rentals will be available.
Even if there is a lack of snow, people can take part in the challenge virtually by running, biking, skating or walking 43.29 kilometres, or as many kilometres as they can.
Melanoma Canada will reward participants with badges for each summit conquered, as well as prizes including neck buffs, Tubbs holster snowshoe backpacks, hoodies and more for reaching fundraising milestones.
“We eagerly anticipate uniting with our supporters virtually and in person for this unique winter event,” said Falyn Katz, CEO of Melanoma Canada. “Our goal is to educate Canadians on the importance of year-round sun safety. Many are unaware that snow can reflect up to 80 per cent of the sun’s UV rays and, combined with higher altitudes, winter sun exposure can be as harmful or even more harmful than it is in the summer.”
