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Joffre Peak Accident: Fundraiser for Family of Deceased Climber

On Fri. Jan 16, Gripped received a letter from The Edge Climbing Centre in Vancouver calling on climbers to support the family of Elana Cernicka. In light of the fundraiser, a number of climbing gyms across Canada have joined efforts.

North Vancouver, BC – On January 11, 2015, three climbers lost their lives in a tragic accident on Mount Joffre, near Pemberton, BC. One of them, Elena Cernicka, leaves behind a husband and two sons, ages two and four. The family is part of North Vancouver’s The Edge Climbing Centre community, and owner Henry Wang, is organizing a fundraiser to help ease the burden.

Fundraiser for Elena Cernicka

Said Wang, “There is little that can be said or done to fill the hole caused by this tragedy, but we can at least attempt to help cover some of the family’s costs at this time. The Edge will be donating all of its proceeds from this Friday (January 16th), to the family. People can also donate online at youcaring.com.”

News About Joffre Accident

Daniel Poggi, owner of ClimbBase5 Climbing gym in Coquitlam, (climbbase5.com) is also participating in the efforts and kindly reached out to the climbing community in Canada to encourage participation for this worthy cause: “We are following Henry Wang’s lead, as are other gyms from coast to coast. On January 24 and 25, The Boulders Climbing Gym in Central Saanich, Project Climbing in Abbottsford, Coastal Climbing in Surrey, Cliffside Climbing in Kamloops, The Crux in Kelowna, Allez Up Climbing in Montreal, and Wallnuts Climbing Center in St John’s Newfoundland. For an updated list of participating gyms in your community. I encourage everyone to follow the Facebook Fundraiser for Elena Cernicka event page.” Said Poggi.

Climb Base5, Coquitlam, B.C.
The Boulders Climbing Gym, Central Saanich, B.C.
Project Climbing Centre, Abbottsford, B.C.
Coastal Climbing Centre, Surrey, B.C.
Cliffside Climbing Gym, Kamloops, B.C.
Beyond The Crux Climbing Gym Inc., Kelowna, B.C.
Allez Up Climbing/Escalade, Montreal, Q.C.
Wallnuts Climbing Centre, St. Johns, NL

Said Wang, “The climbing community is a strong one. I hope everyone can take some time this Friday and next weekend to reconnect with your climbing friends, make a donation, and remember a truly wonderful person. Our hearts and thoughts are with Elena’s family at this difficult time.”

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Elena and her husband Tomas Cernicka

 

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