THERE is always so much excitement around the opening of the Grouse Grind each year.
And for good reason since it is one of the best local fitness hikes where you can have a good workout with your friends, family or mates and enjoy a beer and some food overlooking our beautiful city.
The Grouse Grind has become as famous as visiting Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge and other fantastic spots around our great city. Grouse Mountain and the North Vancouver District have done a phenomenal job improving and maintaining this great trail so all users can have a safe, fun and enjoyable experience.
Once again, this season Grouse Mountain has partnered with the Children's Hospital to create Grind for Kids. This allows anyone to raise money for the Children's Hospital each time they run, walk or crawl up the Grouse Grind.
Last year was my first involvement with this amazing program and I raised more than $2,500 for the Children's Hospital. I was nowhere near the top money producer, nor did I do the most Grouse Grinds. In fact, I am a perfect example of just how a small bit of encouragement and a few emails and some amazing friends and family can turn 20 Grouse Grinds into money to help kids!
If I can do it, anyone can and all you need to do is purchase a Grind for Kids card and then ask your friends or family to donate a dollar or more per Grouse Grind that you do. Voila, now you're on your way to helping a great cause and staying fit at the same time!
You can also visit the Grind for Kids web site at www.GrindforKids.com and donate through one of the many ambassadors. Choose Olympic Gold Medalist Ashleigh McIvor, Chocolatier sensation and my personal nemesis Thomas Haas or me and each time we do the Grind, your money goes to helping kids get healthy again!
Last season we raised $172,000! This came from athletes climbing the Grind on their own, ambassadors duelling each other for bragging rights (Thomas and I) and Grouse Mountain who double dollars during the Grouse Grind Race Event!
With all of us hikers doing a little each week we can beat last year's total and help the amazing nurses, doctors and other specialists by building a new Children's Hospital that can help all the kids out there who have fallen ill, been injured or are fighting for their lives. Sign up today! www.GrindforKids.com
Adventurer Dave Norona is inspired by all the amazing kids in the hospital fighting to get healthy. His Grouse Grind climbs are supported by Park Shore Motors, PowerBar, and Columbia Sportswear.
