Members of the Group at the summit of the Opal Ridge, Kananaskis
Kananaskis, AB – It is Saturday, July 23rd and the sun is rising warm over the mountains. Soon, it will hit the slopes of the Fortress Mountain standing behind us. We have gathered at the base of the Opal Range to climb a mountain. The Opal Ridge – directly opposite the Fortress – has been selected. Located in the Kananaskis River Valley north of Grizzly Creek in Kananaskis Provincial Park , Alberta, the Opal Ridge is an 8 km long ridge located immediately to the west of the Opal Range (a front range of the Canadian Rockies). At coordinates 50.78610°N / 115.1347°W the Opal Ridge rises 8,448 feet into the sky. There is an excitement in the air as the group of 29 climbers prepares to summit the mountain. The youngest of the climbers is 10 years old. The oldest is a very young 67 year old. All are here for many different reasons, but all are here to climb for one purpose.
Summits of Change is a partnership between World Financial Group and CHVN 95.1 FM (Winnipeg) to raise funds for The Salvation Army provide a safe place for vulnerable women transitioning back into society. As part of their participation, each climber raised a minimum of $500. One climber learned about Summits of Change and decided just 24 hours before the climb to participate. In that short time they raised $3000. This is only a small illustration of the commitment and enthusiasm this group has to helping make a safe place for vulnerable women and their families a reality.
As everyone awaits the start of the climb, small groups of people talk in excited tones, planning their ascent and talking about what it will be like to be at the top. After a few moments everyone is gathered together for a few brief words of encouragement, appreciation and prayer for a safe journey – not only for today’s climbers, but also for those others trapped in a lifestyle not of their choosing. Mason, our guide, gives us a few final instructions and the ascent begins in earnest at 10 am. The last climber would come off the mountain at 5:30 pm. Of the 29 climbers that began the ascent, 25 would summit the mountain. The other climbers would make it to the half way mark and the three quarter mark.
Each climber’s journey and experience was as unique and special as each are personally. I invite you to take a moment and read some stories from the climb.
Summits of Change Video
If you would like to support this worthy cause, we invite you to make your financial donation by calling The Salvation Army at (204) 975-1033. All proceeds raised will go directly to helping The Salvation Army Give Hope Today to vulnerable women.
For more information about the Summits of Change event, please call Tsungai of The Salvation Army at (204) 975-1008.
