On August 8th, 2015, twenty seven climbers, after months of training, ascended Castle Mountain. Angels on High 2015 raised $107,500 and the climbers themselves raised $35,000 in personal pledges. This summer, they are doing it all over again for the 4th year.
Angels on High is a mountain climbing adventure that is raising funds in an effort to build a church for St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish. On Saturday, August 6, 2016, Angels on High is taking to Mount Chester and they’re anyone who would like to join them to get involved.
Rev. John Nemanic explained, “Kevin Papke will lead the group up five practice mountain climbs in the months preceding the Mount Chester climb. Fit on the Lake’s Tamara Gutierrez will lead five one-hour group-training sessions in the Chestermere area. Her classes are exceptional, lots of fun and a great way to meet and bond with fellow climbers. There will be additional opportunities to climb the stairs at Prince’s Island Park, run in the Loop around the Lake, and train in weekly running and walking events. All climbers get a team jacket and shirt”.
On August 9, 2014, eighteen Angels helped raise $81,000 while climbing the Centennial Ridge, the highest maintained trail in the Canadian Rockies. Built by the Rocky Mountain Ramblers hiking club from Calgary in 1967, it is the most demanding and impressive day hike in Kananaskis Country. The trail is 21km long with a 1.5km elevation gain.
In its first year, on August 12, 2013, twelve brave souls climbed Mount Temple, the second highest mountain in Banff National Park at 3,544m. They helped raise $56,000.
Angels on High 2016 is promising to be bigger and better than ever. The fundraising dinner, silent auction and dance will be on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the Chestermere Recreation Centre. The Angels on High climbers will ascend Mount Chester on Saturday, August 6, 2016.
For $500 you can become an Angel on High and ‘get fit for your wings’. All the proceeds will go towards the future St Gabriel parish church building. If you are interested please attend one of the two climber’s meetings on Sunday, March 20th at 11:30AM or Monday, March 21st at 7PM in the St Gabriel School learning commons (197 Invermere Dr).
If you’d like to learn more about the Angels on High or see how you can help with their fundraising efforts, please check out www.saintgabrielparish.ca/angelsonhigh
