The Grouse Grind is a challenge that occupies its own space in the heads of many runners and hikers, including those simply dragging their way to the top, content with finishing.
But on Sept. 27 – thanks to Henrik and Daniel Sedin – every step up that imposing Grind will help feed, clothe and care for the welfare of impoverished B.C. children.
That is the date the Sedin Family Foundation Fun Day will be held, with the object of raising at least $75,000 for The Vancouver Sun’s Adopt-A-School campaign.
The headline of the day will be the Sedin-v-Sedin on Grouse Grind, a head-to-head race between Henrik and Daniel to see who gets to the top first.
The Vancouver Canuck icons are members of the Hockey Hall of Fame, had their jerseys retired by the team, and earlier this year were appointed co-presidents of the NHL franchise.
The Sedin twins are hoping to attract corporate and other organized teams or individuals to support either Team Daniel or Team Henrik by joining the race up the mountain. These teams will race in timed waves up the Grind shortly after the twins leave to settle who – Henrik or Daniel – is the fastest on the day.
The winning team will be decided on timed finishes and the amount of donations they have raised for the Sedin Family Foundation.
Those donations will be given to The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund, which administers the Adopt-A-School program. This year, Adopt-A-School sent $2.3 million to hundreds of schools that sought help to feed and clothe their impoverished students. None of the donations made to Adopt-A-School are used for administration purposes. Every penny goes to schools.
If you are interested in participating, registration information for racers can be found on the Grouse Mountain website: www.grousemountain.com which will also include prices for family and individuals visiting the mountain for the Fun Day with the Sedins.
The Sedin Family Foundation has already donated $126,000 this year, which was directed to rural schools in northern B.C. – in areas where there are few of the social services found in populated areas of the province.
Asked why they were helping The Vancouver Sun’s campaign, Daniel said it was important that children and families dealing with poverty should not be forgotten.
“We know from what teachers are telling The Vancouver Sun that many children throughout the province are coming to school hungry, or without winter clothes, shoes, and all kinds of items they need but their families can’t afford,” said Daniel.
“We want to support the teachers working to give these children what they need, with help from Adopt-A-School.”
Henrik said many families were “having a tough time trying to meet the rising costs of necessities – housing, food, clothing and other essentials.”
“Again this year, we are supporting the important work of Adopt-A-School. It helps families across the province,” said Henrik.
Both brothers said they were looking forward to going head-to-head on the Grind.
Daniel once did it 11 times in one day, putting him somewhere between Iron Man and Superman.
Not that such a feat gives him any advantage, as over the years the brothers have raced each other up the mountain numerous times with the results thought to be just about even. Who has the number of overall wins is kept between themselves.
Grouse Mountain Resort will also be donating some of the revenue raised from ticket sales and events.
Once the racing is over, the Family Fun Day will start in the central plaza at the top of the mountain, which will include award presentations, with a live DJ on hand and a barbecue.
Other attractions for the Family Day will include wildlife talks, a children’s craft zone, and special event day pricing on ziplines, the Ropes Adventure and the Grouse Gravity Coaster.
The Sedin Family Foundation has been supporting Adopt-A-School since 2020 when the twins headlined a special fundraising campaign during the COVID epidemic which eventually raised $800,000 from the public, with the money being spent to feed children at home who had lost access to food while schools were closed.
How to donate
1. ONLINE: Donate online with a credit card at www.vansunkidsfund.ca
2. PHONE: To pay by credit card, call 604-813-8673
You’re invited to be part of this special Grouse Grind event! Take part in the Grind climb on Sunday, September 27th and find out which side you’re on, as you’re placed on Team Daniel or Team Henrik for a friendly faceoff on Vancouver’s most iconic trail.
At the top, the day continues with a high-energy Family Fun Day, featuring a live DJ, activities, and more for all ages. Look out for more information about the Family Fun Day later this summer at www.grousemountain.com.