Jeromy Farkas launches fundraiser as he scales 25 peaks for The Alex

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Simply months after finishing an epic hike throughout America on the Pacific Crest Path, former Metropolis Councilman Jeromy Farkas is setting his sights on one other bold fundraiser.

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Farkas introduced Tuesday that he plans to scale 25 peaks in 25 days as a fundraiser for The Alex Group Well being Heart. His aim is to lift no less than $25,000.

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Farkas stated he wished to maintain the momentum going after his 4,300-kilometre trek, which raised $225,000 for Huge Brothers Huge Sisters of Calgary.

“Numerous individuals have reached out to me eager to be a part of a follow-up effort to profit the neighborhood,” he stated. “And I knew that I wished to construct on that momentum and continue to grow and attempting to problem myself.

“As you’ve got most likely seen earlier than, I turned down gives to run within the subsequent election, primarily as a result of I wished to attempt to make a extra significant and impressive affect right here at dwelling.”

Farkas stated he determined to assist The Alex on this effort as a result of the group spends each greenback properly. He stated The Alex additionally made a private distinction in his life rising up in east Calgary.

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“This yr they enter their fiftieth yr in enterprise and I can consider no higher trigger or accomplice to assist shine the highlight than them presently, particularly after I take into consideration the challenges Calgarians are dealing with proper now.”

Pleasure Bowen-Eyre, CEO of The Alex, stated the middle’s dedication to offering cell well being care helps meet the wants of Calgarians who in any other case expertise obstacles to the remedies they want. She stated the group is grateful for Farkas’ efforts to lift cash and likewise convey consideration to their work.

“His unimaginable achievement is not going to solely elevate much-needed funds for our group, however it’s going to additionally elevate consciousness of the necessary work we do,” she stated.

Farkas stated he approaches the problem in a approach that can be secure. He plans 25 peaks in 25 days, however they won’t be 25 distinctive peaks. He stated many roads are closed presently of yr, and there’s all the time an avalanche threat. These components restrict the peaks obtainable to him.

To beat this, he makes an attempt some peaks twice, typically twice on the identical day if circumstances are good. This permits him to financial institution some climbs if climate circumstances do not cooperate.

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Farkas stated he would not try any peaks he hasn’t climbed, though many he has solely finished in the summertime months. Winter provides a layer of problem to acquainted routes.

“Some that may be comparatively easy in the summertime months grow to be rather more troublesome whenever you add knee-deep snow and layers of ice.”

The previous municipal politician began on January 1 and has already collected 10 peaks. That alone provides as much as the approximate top of Mount Everest from sea stage, and he expects to do three Everest equivalents over the 25 days.

Farkas stated regardless of his status as a fiscal hawk when he served on the board, he believes teams like The Alex deserve monetary assist.

“You may really lower your expenses by way of ER visits, housing prices, policing prices and so forth,” he stated. “So I’d say that there’s a robust fiscal argument to be made to assist a few of this preventative work that The Alex and different businesses are doing.”

The primary $15,000 he raises will likely be matched by McLeod Regulation. For extra data or to make a donation, go to www.thealex.ca/25peaks.

Farkas was runner-up to Jyoti Gondek within the 2021 municipal election for Mayor of Calgary.

brthomas@postmedia.com
Twitter: @brodie_thomas