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Hardwood Ski and Bike gets to work rebuilding chalet destroyed by fire
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ShareWorld-class outdoor playground going strong with full-slate of programs, races and events
Hardwood is, of course, extremely valuable to outdoor enthusiasts in Southern Ontario. The year-round Mountain Bike, Cross-Country Ski, and Outdoor Recreation facility boasts over 100 kms of Mountain Bike trails and 40 kms of Cross-Country Ski trails. It is home of the longest running weekly mountain Bike series in Ontario and hosts a slew of sporting events from multiple MTB National Championships to the 2015 Pan American Games.
“Having a world-class facility like Hardwood Ski and Bike available to our community to experience the joys of playing outside in all seasons makes us very proud,” says Harry Hughes, Mayor of Oro-Medonte. “When a fire destroyed their chalet last year, they were able to continue. Resilient and passionate, they are working hard to rebuild their chalet and restore a central gathering place for their members and visitors. I wish them every success with their campaign.”
The Friends of Hardwood campaign invites community members to support rebuilding the chalet from “puzzle piece to building block.” Supporters making a contribution of $500, $1,500, $2,500, $10,000 or $25,000 will receive a personalized puzzle piece on the Friends of Hardwood wall, along with some other great offerings. Puzzle pieces may be purchased through their website hardwoodskiandbike.ca
“I’m confident that together through our Friends of Hardwood campaign, we are going to rebuild our chalet from puzzle piece to building block,” says Gareth Houben, president and general manager, Hardwood Ski and Bike. “The story of its’ rebuild will be a proud testament to this community’s love–and fierce support of–outdoor activities.”
Building a new chalet, assisted by the Friends of Hardwood campaign, will allow Hardwood Ski and Bike to ensure that another generation of kids and parents bond over outdoor activities, another cohort of Olympians train on high caliber local trails, and that more national and international events are hosted in the Simcoe County region.
Lenny Valjas, Olympian (Team Canada Cross-Country Skiing: 2014 Sochi, 2018 PyeongChang), said about Hardwood Ski and Bike, “Pursuing an Olympic dream takes not only personal dedication, but the unwavering support of family, friends and community. I found that community at Hardwood Ski and Bike, where I grew up skiing and racing. I have wonderful memories from lots of good times spent with teammates and friends on the trails and in the chalet.”
In the meantime, Hardwood is busy keeping local residents busy and active with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat biking and more.
