The 17th annual 24h Tremblant is scheduled for December 8 to 10. The fundraising event invites participants to form teams of six to 12 persons who participate as a relay team for 24 hours in one of the three categories available. While some hurtle down the slopes, walkers and runners, moving in opposite directions, cover a 5 km country course encouraged by smiles and high-fives profusion.

It is now confirmed that, with 371 teams registered (306 in 2016), the 2017 event again sets a new participation record. “It’s a growing gold mine,” says Simon St-Arnaud proudly; he has been executive producer of the event since it began. “In 2001, we had 300 participants who raised $300,000. Sixteen years later, there are a few more zeros on the numbers: we have 3,000 participants and $3 million raised.”

Over time, the downhill skiing event has become a happening which brings out a wide variety of philanthropic, sports-minded people. “I think we have a formula the participants like, which brings together a cause, a sports challenge and a team-building opportunity,” Simon states.

LIVING THE EXPERIENCE

Participants questioned are unanimous: it’s a unique, memorable weekend that can be lived as a team to celebrate the opening of ski season. Friday, everybody shows up – often under one roof – and the party begins. The following morning, the atmosphere is charged and at noon, at the start, it’s explosive! “The energy in Place Saint-Bernard is like a slingshot: it propels you forward for another 5 km,” exclaims Dominic Arpin, spokesperson for the 24h, in a video presented on the 24h website.

That evening, percussionist Mélissa Lavergne and guests will provide the initial rhythms. The table will thus be set for a performance by Simple Plan, a world-renowned Montreal group back for a second show at this event.

MOTIVATED BY THE CHILDREN

When you say “24h”, you’re talking children. The link touches all hearts. “You do it for the fun of it in the beginning, but the testimonials from the children provide motivation and we know why we’re there. It’s very gratifying,” says Alexandra Larivée, who has participated in two of the 24h events. Statistics on remissions in childhood diseases are encouraging, but there’s still a distance to go. Some youngster also have other needs and the foundations supported cover a wide variety of causes.

The Charles Bruneau Foundation, which has received more than $10 million since 2003, remains the principal beneficiary of the 24h Tremblant. This financial aid helps finance research into treatments for children with cancer and sustains projects dedicated to paediatric oncology.

The Ottawa Senators Foundation has received more than $3 million since 2006. Its mission is to permit children to be active, engaged, and to achieve their full potential. Maison Roger offers a second home to families with children suffering from a life-threatening illness.

The Fondation Tremblant, which is very active in the MRC des Laurentides – Mont-Tremblant’s regional county municipality — helps the region’s underprivileged children to achieve a better quality of life and develop their full potential in sports, education, the arts or cultural activities.

There’s a new affiliation this year: the 24h will participate financially in the establishment of a social paediatric clinic in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, which will open shortly.

Interested in the cause? Your donation is more than welcome: 24htremblant.com.