COVID-19 has caused the cancellation of the Coquitlam Crunch Diversity Challenge this year, but that is not stopping organizer Alex Bell from holding his own “low-key” fundraising event next week.
And if a few people care to join him as he makes the 890-step climb multiple times in support of the Coquitlam Foundation’s diversity fund, that is fine by him, provided everyone follows the provincial health officer’s physical distancing guidelines.
“I decided this year, because of COVID-19, we couldn’t have it,” he said. “I would do it myself, but if people wanted to join me, they’d be welcome.”
Past years have seen Bell hike the Coquitlam Crunch as many times as he can during a set number of hours, often joined by friends and supporters.
What started out as a group of approximately 20 people in 2010, has grown in recent years to where now hundreds of people are showing up raising tens of thousands of dollars.
But with COVID-19, Bell, who hikes the Coquitlam Crunch five to six times a week, said he does not want to see those kinds of numbers this year.
Still, he acknowledged that he is walking a fine line between getting the word out about the fundraiser while limiting participation.
“We are really trying to keep things low-key,” he said. “We don’t want large groups of people bunching up on the Crunch.”
This year, the event will start at 8 a.m. on Sept. 12, with Bell doing a lap every hour on the hour, with the last trip finishing at 3 p.m.
Those who wish to join him will receive a $5 coupon for a beer at Mariner Brewing. The Coquitlam brewery will also donate $1 for every Double Berry Sour beer it sells for anyone joining Bell for a snack and beer after the hike.
All proceeds will go to the Coquitlam Foundation’s diversity fund, which supports everything from refugees and newcomers to the community to camp programs for children with developmental disabilities.
“COVID has actually been a fairly challenging time for diversity groups,” he said. “Many are finding themselves more isolated than they have been ever before.”
• Anyone who wishes to join Bell during the walk next week should email him at [email protected]. Those who would prefer to show their support with a donation, can go to the Coquitlam Foundation’s website (www.coquitlamfoundation.com/grants/community-diversity-fund/).
