Eight years running: TELUS Kelowna Cup returns to slopes in support of Kelowna Women’s Shelter
Since the inaugural event in 2015, the TELUS Kelowna Cup has raised a total of $148,861 for local charities and non-profit organizations in the Kelowna area – including the Big White Ski Club and the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Kelowna Women’s Shelter – a charity that provides a safe haven, food, shelter, clothing, and more for women and children fleeing abuse.
“I’m so excited to see the TELUS Kelowna Cup return for 2022, and I’m even more excited to announce that this year we are supporting the Kelowna Women’s Shelter,” said Bethan Wetheral, Manager of Guests Services at Big White Ski Resort Ltd. “It’s such a feel-good event that gives back to our community. I encourage everyone to register and come race! It’s a fun day out on the slopes that everyone, regardless of experience level, can enjoy - with outlandish costumes and lots of laughs.”
Families can expect a race perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities as it runs in the form of time duplication, where each participant attempts to match the Loose Moose's time down the course. The closest match for each of the four different categories (Under 10, Youth 10-14, Open Men's and Open Women's) wins, but there’s also a chance to win best costume. COVID-19 protocols will also be in place to maintain the safety of all attendees. Race times will be staggered to promote social distancing, registration is taking place online, timing chip pick-up will be outside, and there will be no awards ceremony. Face coverings will also be recommended for those unable to maintain a 2-metre distance from others outside.
At the heart of the race will be the opportunity to provide all registration fees and additional donations, alongside TELUS’ pledge of $25,000, directly to the shelter.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be the charity of choice for this event,” said Ester Pike, Resource Development Coordinator, Kelowna Women’s Shelter. “Big White Ski Resort has been a long-standing partner of our shelter, but joining the TELUS Kelowna Cup for the first time is a massive support for us. Not only does the huge impact of donations have on helping us continue to support the women and children in need of our services and programs, but also the growth in awareness and advocacy for our cause. We cannot do this alone, and it is a blessing to have strong supporters like Big White and TELUS supporting our vision and mission.”
“We are thrilled to once again partner with Big White Ski Resort to support the long-standing tradition of the TELUS Kelowna Cup and the community’s incredible spirit of giving back,” said Patrick Barron, Vice-president Corporate Citizenship & Community Investment at TELUS. “At TELUS, we believe we have a responsibility to help make the world a better place and help connect Canadians to what matters most. Through the life-saving work of the Kelowna Women’s Shelter we are honoured to be able to do just that, supporting critical programs and services that provide immediate support to women and children in need.”
Don’t miss out on the fun! Registration closes at 3 p.m. on Friday, February 25. Learn more, here.