New Westminster firefighter Gord Denhoed continues to scale great heights for a good cause.
Denhoed is preparing for his third climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in October. He first climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2001 as a fundraiser for Summits of Hope, which raises funds for B.C. Children's Hospital.
"We have raised about $2.5 million now," said Denhoed, vice-president of Summits of Hope. "We are still a notfor-profit."
Denhoed has participated in numerous climbs for Summits of Hope, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Aconcagua (Argentina), Mount Elbrus (Europe) and Mount Everest base camp. With two little ones at home, he hasn't been able to climb Mount Kilimanjaro since 2005, so he's looking forward to the upcoming trip.
"It's a tough climb," he added.
Denhoed is the only New Westminster firefighter taking part in the 2012 Mount Kilimanjaro Climb, but fellow firefighter Don Edwards was a member of the team that climbed to the Mount Everest base camp in 2011.
For more information on Summits of Hope, visit www.summitsofhope.com.
NO STRINGS ATTACHED
The New Westminster District and Concert Band is welcomes new members of all levels.
The non-profit organization is looking for new members aged 10 and up who want to learn to play a musical instrument (no strings) as well as players of all levels. The band has three levels of players: beginners, intermediate and seniors
The band meets on Monday and Thursday evenings, starting Thursday, Sept. 6 at Richard McBride Elementary School. For more information, visit www.nwdband.com or call Christine at 604-526-8996.
ALL FOR DIABETES
New Westminster firefighter Jeff Cartwright's fundraiser for diabetes research was a hit.
The New Westminster resident learned last summer that his son Liam has Type 1 diabetes, a condition that requires him to have four shots of insulin daily and to adhere to a new diet. After dealing with the shock of the life-changing diagnosis, Cartwright decided he wanted to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and proposed a dodgeball tournament as a fun fundraiser.
Cartwright contacted the Vancouver Dodgeball League, which had been looking for a charitable event to support and thought the foundation would be a perfect fit. The foundation's inaugural dodgeball open took place from July 27 to 29 at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Tournament manager Victoria Mui said the event was a "huge success" and saw 33 teams participate. It included entertainment by five dance crews and a group of performers from Japan.
Keith Bao, executive director of the Vancouver Dodgeball League, said the tournament raised more than $5,250 for the foundation.
"The board has approved of the tournament for next year. It was quite a success, and we'll start planning," he wrote in an email to The Record. "Our goal for next year is to raise $10,000."
UNDERTAKE THIS TOUR
A Sense of History Research Services is inviting people to join a tour of the Fraser Cemetery as part of its look at the 150th anniversary of Royal Columbian Hospital.
The free tour takes place on Sunday, Sept. 9 and starts at 1: 30 p.m. at the Fraser Cemetery office at 100 Richmond St. It will last one-and-a-half to two hours and goes rain or shine.
Founded in 1862, Royal Columbian Hospital has been celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2012.
In honour of the anniversary, Archie and Dale Miller will lead the tour that focuses on the hospital and medical history.
The tour will feature a number of individuals with strong connections to the history of RCH, including some non-medical people involved with the original hospital in 1862, as well as doctors, nurses and other staff with ties to the hospital sites, either at Fourth Street at Agnes Street (1862 to 1889), or Sapperton on East Columbia Street (1889 to present).
"There are many intriguing stories about these and others from the history of Royal Columbian Hospital," said a press release about the tour.
