A youth ski racer is leading his second fundraiser in an effort to give back to his home-away-from home community and inspire others to love his favourite sport.
Duncan Armstrong, 16, is spearheading a charity ski sale in support of Beaver Valley Outreach next weekend.
The youth from Toronto has been skiing at Georgian Peaks since he learned to walk, and racing since Kindergarten.
As a teen he’s been volunteering at Beaver Valley Outreach (BVO) to help process donations at the Treasure Shop. After COVID hit, he turned his volunteer efforts to fundraising.
Last year, he enlisted the help of fellow ski racers for the first ever BVO Challenge, which encouraged athletes to take on challenges while raising pledges.
Approximately 20 youth participants completed individual and group athletic challenges raising $24,000 for the local social services charity.
“I noticed a large socioeconomic gap, and I wanted to be able to give back,” said Armstrong. “BVO is an organization that does great things for local people.”
This year, Armstrong is asking for donations of ski equipment that he’ll take to BVO for a one-day sale on Aug. 22.
He’s been collecting donations from the community and hopes to get even more sale items before the event.
“The more skis the better,” he said. “Skis, poles, helmets, any hard goods that will bring value to the sale.”
Anyone wishing to donate items or help with the sale set up can text him at 647-627-3442. He can pick up donations from homes in Collingwood and The Blue Mountains.
Armstrong’s goal for the sale is to raise $10,000.
“The main idea for this was not only to raise money for BVO, but also to give affordable priced skis to local kids in Collingwood and Thornbury to give them a shot at a sport I really love,” he said.
The BVO ski sale runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22 in the BVO parking lot (54 King Street East).
On the same weekend, Thornbury Clear Choice Pools and Spas is hosting a charity barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 21. Proceeds from the barbecue will also be donated to BVO programs. For information on the barbecue, call 519-599-1154 or visit thornburyclearchoice.com.