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‘Pile of awareness’ raised for youth mental health through the 2022 4x4x48 challenge

The challenge saw about 72 participants raising money for a planned youth mental health facility
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Alex Simons, right, Kerry Wood, left, and Indy the dog in the middle. Simons was on the 13th and last leg of the 4x4x48 challenge, which is part of a fundraising campaign to bring in $1.4 million for the creation of the Foundry East Kootenay, a planned walk-in mental health facility for youth. (Photo by Vince Mo)

The second 4x4x48 challenge in the East Kootenays (and beyond) took place over the weekend, raising a ‘pile of awareness’ for youth mental health according to organizer Calvin Domin.

The weekend-long event saw about 72 people hit the streets to walk or run four miles every four hours for 48 hours. Cyclists did 16 miles every four hours.

“There’s a lot of sore people, sore knees, and a pile of really tired people,” said Domin on Monday.

The final count for funds raised hasn’t been tallied yet, and more funds are still coming.

“There was one couple that raised $3,000, there was another lady that was up $1,500. I’m certain that there’s still money rolling in.”

The challenge was part of a campaign organized by Domin 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.

“(Foundry East Kootenay) is definitely a facility that’s required in the East Kootenays,” Domin said.

Fernie resident Alex Simons was one of the weekend’s challengers, and completed 13 runs.

In a Facebook post, she said she ran a total of 87.29 kilometres, and slept about five hours total over the 48 hours.

“In the end, every step hurt. I had bruises, blisters, swollen knees, and aching hips. I’m sleep deprived, tired, and hurting, but it was all for a good cause!”

As of April 14, about $900,000 had been raised, with another $500,000 left to go, according to Domin.

Last year, about 81 people participated, and around $20,000 was raised. Domin said the fundraising goal was to bring in around the same amount in 2022.

People participated from Sparwood, Kimberley, Fernie, Castlegar, Jaffray, Calgary and Medicine Hat.

Domin said one family even took to the mission all the way up in Chetwynd, B.C. – 13 hours from Fernie.

“I know that they raised a pile of money, and more importantly, honestly, a pile of awareness,” he said.

Simons said she was “humbled by the support” she received, and had family and friends from the UK cheering her on.

“Now looking forward to a take out and rest! Well done to everyone who participated in this crazy challenge!”

READ MORE: ‘Fired up’: second 4x4x48 challenge for youth mental health centre happening this weekend

READ MORE: 4x4x48 challenge sees locals walk, run, bike their way for youth mental health


@fishynewswatch
josh.fischlin@thefreepress.ca

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