Victims of the recent earthquake in Nepal will get a hand up from local rock-climbing enthusiasts when On the Rocks climbing gym holds a one-day benefit for the stricken country Saturday.
Owner Ian Graham, who has held similar fundraisers for local causes and international disasters, is partnering with Unicef Canada to contribute all donations that day to the rescue, recovery and rebuilding efforts in Nepal, struck by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake April 25.
“All the money that day will go to Nepal,” said Graham. “We’re not keeping anything.”
Graham said climbers will be offered the gym’s Taste of Climbing package, which provides each climber with three climbs accompanied by staff, in ropes and harness.
On the Rocks will team with the adjacent Outdoor Adventures Store to offer a hot dog cookout during the afternoon, and Outdoor Adventures will also have a donation box set up.
The climbing gym will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with all admission by donation. Climbers are asked to bring clean running shoes. All other equipment and safety will be taken care of by On the Rocks staff.