Members of Big Brothers Big Sisters Sarnia-Lambton plan to climb the stairs of a downtown apartment tower 200 times this month, after their annual mountain climbing fundraiser was cancelled due to COVID-19.
The organization has set up a virtual Denali basecamp in front of the building at 11 Derby Lane.
Executive Director Michael Hurry said he and board member Dave Hill will trek up and down the 11-storey building, a total of 20,310 feet, which is equal to the height of Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America.
"The last time I was on Denali, it was minus 52 degrees, and I needed a big down jacket," said Hurry. "Here, it's a heated apartment building and the steps are all the same height where in Alaska you're stepping over everything of different heights. So, this is a little easier although we came down to do a practice run up and I was surprised after ten flights how tired I was."
Hurry is hoping they can raise at least $30,000 to help offset a loss of about $250,000 normally raised through yearly events which have been cancelled this year.
"Like everybody, we've moved to try and do things virtually and it's worked reasonably well but I think kids, like everybody, are getting sick of things being virtual and not having that face-to-face contact. We're hoping that we get a vaccine and get back to normal face-to-face interactions."
Dave Hill from LamSar, Geoff Dale from Robert E. Dale, and Dr. Mike Rondinelli from Lambton Family Dental, have each pledged $5,000 toward the fundraiser, with the understanding that the organization will raise matching funds.
Hurry said they typically help 700 to 800 kids every year, but those numbers are down this year because their ability to go into schools is limited.
"Kids need mentors now probably more than they ever have," he said. "Of course, we need to figure out how we're going to keep our doors open. Like everybody, we've had some support from the government but our staff is down and we probably have as many kids, if not more, that are being referred."