The Local Weekly The heart and soul of our communities with news and information about the Sunshine Coast
The Climb for Climate Change is a 115 km walk from Gibsons to Powell River to raise awareness about current climate challenges and to raise funds to proactively reduce our footprint. The walk is being done by 10-year-old Cody Kelso and his mom, Megan.
Starting in Gibsons at St. Barts Church on March 14, and finishing in Powell River at the SPCA on the 18, the Kelso’s are hoping to raise a total of $30,000 through community and corporate donations. Funds in the amount of $20,000 will be used to purchase solar panels for the BC SPCA Sunshine Coast branch located on Solar Road and $10,000 for the BC Sustainable Energy Association. Cody was inspired by their program for schools called Cool It, which teaches kids about how to be greener.
“I am doing the walk to challenge myself and raise money for a cause that I love,” said Cody, who is known for putting his passions into action. In 2018, Cody did a food drive in Tuwanek to help his community.
His mom, Megan, a 7-year girl guide leader and community volunteer, fully supports her son in this endeavour. “My son has big ideas, and I do my best to support him, but I know this walk will be tough. I have two bad knees and an ankle with no cartilage, but the rewards of this far outweigh any pain I may go through.”
Megan and Cody could not be more surprised and grateful with the reaction they’ve had from the community so far. A number of organizations have emerged to support them with their time, expertise and funding. But they are still looking for support to meet their goal.
“We cannot reach our goal without your help,” said Megan. “Any donation big or small can be made through our website at climbforcc.org. We still need more drivers, and if you have an electric vehicle and are available to assist, please reach out to the Sunshine Coast Community Solar Association at suncoastcsa@gmail.com for more details.”
Cody and Megan are also holding a bottle drive from 11-2pm on Feb. 27 at the bottle depot in Sechelt behind Claytons. They invite everyone to stop by and drop off any bottles they may have, as every little bit helps.
And make sure to watch and wave to them if you are driving along the highway during their walk. Submitted
