By Camille Aubin
[email protected]

The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club recently received money from a one-time financial fund for non-profit community level clubs, in the amount of $5000.

 The Local Sport Relief Fund supports local sport organizations that have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club has been notably affected, first positively by a considerable increase in demand and then negatively by the cancellation of its annual fundraising campaigns. “It has significantly increased demand for our youth programs and trails. Both are running at record high numbers,” said Cam Gillies, the spokesperson of the local club.

 It might sound like good news, but the cancellation of their two main fundraisers – the Loppet in partnership with Nipika and the Best of Mountain Film Festival – makes it very difficult to fund the club’s youth ski programs. “As a large portion of the funds generated from these events goes into supporting the expenses of our youth ski programs, and with a record number of kids in that program, we were challenged with finding ways to meet this shortfall, which is why we applied for this COVID-19 relief program,” explained Gillies.

 The fund will help the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club through their season this year and “setting us up well for what we’re hoping will be increased engagement in our programs and trails in the years to come,” added Gillies.

 Visit tobycreeknordic.com to participate in the Toby Creek Nordic annual fundraising event this year and watch the Banff Film Festival available online from the comfort of your home.