Peninsula Co-op provides donation of $50,000 supporting Boulders Climbing Gym

Peninsula Co-op announced today that they will provide a $50,000 donation to the Boulders Climbing Gym Society. Located at Stelly’s Secondary School in Brentwood Bay, BC, not far from the Co-op’s headquarters, the gym is undergoing a massive expansion, adding an additional 8,000 square feet of climbing space to its existing 5,400 square foot facility. The expanded facility is now one of two climbing gyms in North America capable of hosting a World Youth Climbing Championship, and includes an official world record 15m Speed Climbing wall that will bear Peninsula Co-op’s name for the next 5 years.

“We're a not-for-profit society, and it is the support of community-minded organizations like Peninsula Co-op that allow us to exist. All of our programs will benefit from their generosity - from our adaptive recreation and climbing rehabilitation programs, to our unique youth and school-based programs. Our mandate is to make climbing accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability, and we're honoured to have the support of the Peninsula Co-op" says Kimanda Jarzebiak, Chair of the Boulders Climbing Gym Society. "Not only will local families and businesses benefit from the expansion, but so will national athletes. This expansion is Canada's first world class competition wall, and it will take our athletes to the next level. Peninsula Co-op's donation came along at the perfect time to allow us to complete the expansion - we hope to be open within two weeks".

Peninsula Co-op’s Member & Community Relations Committee, comprised of Co-op Board members Gordon Denford, Paul Hames, Patti Hunter, Cathie Ounsted and Doug Potentier, consider hundreds of requests for support each year and will distribute around $400,000 this year to deserving community groups. “We are very proud to support a world-class climbing facility that serves such a broad cross-section of our community; where professionals from all over Canada and the world will train; where youth climbers will develop their skills and where families can take their kids for a very special birthday celebration” says Patti Hunter, Co-op Member & Community Relations Committee Chair.