The Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports (VISAS) held its major fundraiser, the Herb Bradley Pepsi Challenge on Feb. 12.
For 24 years the Herb Bradley event has brought together the Vancouver Island community, VISAS volunteers and students at Mount Washington to raise funds for adaptive snowsports.
Twenty four teams from up and down the Island, along with VISAS snowboarding / ski students tackled the slalom course set on the beginners hill next to Mount Washington’s new magic carpet ride. This year’s winner was Jackie Krabseth of Campbell River and her team - the Flying Grannies. Second place went to the Courtenay Mazda team and third place to RBC, Phillips, Hager & North of Victoria.
This is the first year that PepsiCo has participated as the major sponsor for the event and VISAS welcomes its involvement and support.
“Herb Bradley was a great person with a vision and drive that we should aspire to mirror in our lives,” said Peter Kupiak of PepsiCo. “Without the dedication that he had for this program and all the tireless efforts of the volunteers it would not be as successful as it is today.”
Over the years the fundraiser has garnered a loyal following who have volunteered their time to make this day a great event.
“We grossed $12,255 from the teams, donations and the raffle,” said Ken Kemper, HBPC organizer. “We had close to 150 people come out a support us.”
Peter Gibson, Mount Washington general manager, said the event was a tremendous success.
“Even though Herb Bradley left us a few years ago, his spirit certainly continues on through the programs run by the VISAS.”
A long time resident of the Comox Valley, outdoor enthusiast, swim coach and ski instructor, Herb Bradley, who passed away in 2002 at the age of 81, was the leading force behind starting the downhill ski program for people with physical and mental disabilities.
“Each year on the day of the event I phone Herb’s niece in Vancouver,” added Gibson.
“She informed me this year that the name change to Pepsi would have made Herb happy, as he was a Pepsi person.”
Funds raised from the sale of raffle tickets for snowsports equipment was made possible by Ski Tac Hut, for its generous discount on skis and a unique snowboard, and to Ski, Surf and Kayak for its deal on snowshoes.
The skis were won by Barrett Karam of Victoria, the board was won by Carl Gardener of Victoria and the snowshoes by Richard Meiner of Duncan.
A detailed list of contributors and supporters is on the VISAS’s website.
A few tickets are still available for the Westjet raffle to be drawn on March 17.
For more information on the VISAS programs or raffle tickets visit http://www.visasweb.ca or its Facebook page.