The second 4x4x48 challenge to fundraise for the creation of a new youth mental health facility is taking place this weekend, from April 15 to 17.
The campaign, organized by Calvin Domin of Sparwood, aims to raise $1.4 million for the creation of the Foundry East Kootenay, a planned walk-in mental health facility for youth aged 12 to 24 in the region that would be based in Cranbrook.
Domin said he wants to get people “fired up” for the challenge so that people will raise funds and get their friends and family involved in the initiative.
“I’m looking forward to creating that awareness again that we need to finish raising the funds for the Foundry East Kootenay,” Domin said.
The challenge involves people running or walking four miles every four hours for 48 hours. And yes, that does mean walking through the night, which Domin called the “fun, cold, and challenging time for sure.”
Participants can either be solo or in groups of three to divide the walks between them.
“The real challenge is the mental aspect of very much a lack of sleep. It’s very difficult.”
Cyclists are also encouraged to participate, and would have 16 miles to go every four hours instead of four miles.
So far, $900,000 has been raised, with another $500,000 left to go. Donations are made through the East Kootenay Foundation for Health website.
“I’ve encouraged people to take fundraising on themselves so that if they have a family member that’s not computer savvy, I’ve asked them to do a pledge form, get the funds, and then submit the funds to the (East Kootenay Foundation for Health).”
Last year, the 4x4x48 campaign brought in around $20,000 with about 81 participants.
This year, Domin said he would “love” to bring in the same dollar amount.
As of the morning of April 14, around 68 people had registered, with last-minuters on the way, Domin said. Participants are expected from Sparwood, Kimberley, Fernie, Castlegar, Jaffray, Calgary, and Medicine Hat.
“A lot of people call this a race, but honestly, my line is it’s not a race, it’s a statement for youth mental health.”
Domin said there are a lot of families with youth in the East Kootenays, and he’s been in touch with some of them.
“It’s difficult to get the help that they require for mental health issues, substance abuse issues. So I think it’s very important to help the youth when they’re young, and start the dialogue.”
“It’s definitely a facility that’s required in the East Kootenays.”
READ MORE: 4x4x48 challenge sees locals walk, run, bike their way for youth mental health
READ MORE: Sparwood man runs from Elk Valley to Cranbrook for Foundry fundraiser
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