A Sunshine Coast mother-son duo have once again set a fundraising goal for themselves to reach, and they’re taking it to new heights this year.
Over the Easter weekend, Megan and Cody Kelso are undertaking their second annual fundraising initiative, dubbed “Elevate for the Environment,” by spending 100 hours in a scissor lift.
From April 14 to 16, they will be hoisted up at the corner of Cowrie Street and Wharf Avenue, next to the BMO in Sechelt. Then, from April 16 to 18, they can be found in the parking lot near the IGA and Starbucks in Gibsons.
The Kelsos’ goal is to raise $20,000 for the Gibsons Heritage Playhouse and $10,000 for the Nature Trust of BC to support environment and wildlife protection. They’ve already raised $800 from a bottle drive and collecting throughout the past year.
“I enjoy acting… and I already know that there’s a lot of problems that can be fixed, that can help better our world, as I have performed there,” 11-year-old Cody told Coast Reporter.
The Gibsons Heritage Playhouse, like many entertainment spaces, was hard-hit during the pandemic. Maintenance costs for heating and electricity still needed to be covered by the non-profit, despite having no performances or guests. After an audit of the building by the Sunshine Coast Community Solar Association, the Kelsos decided to raise money for a new heat pump (extra funds raised may go toward LED lights for the building).
Last year, the Kelsos walked the length of the Sunshine Coast, raising $23,570 for BC SPCA and $10,100 for B.C. Sustainable Energy Association’s Cool It program along the way. Some of those funds helped make the Coast’s SPCA the first in the province to run on solar power.
As for this year’s initiative, the Kelsos decided on a more stationary endeavor. While Megan’s been in a cherry picker before, it will be Cody’s first extended time in a scissor lift, aside from an earlier trial run. They’ll spend several nights sleeping up high, which Megan said will be like camping. Cody is not daunted though – if anything, his biggest concern is getting bored.
“I think he's gonna learn that it's not as easy as it seems by the end of the four days,” Megan said with a laugh.
They hope community members will stop by and say hello, perhaps donate, and hopefully keep them entertained to help pass the time during their 100-hour challenge.
Megan said they have a long list of community supporters, including restaurants providing meals during their time in the scissor lift, companies providing supplies to shield the Kelsos from the elements and more. Olson Electric, the company that helped install the SPCA’s solar panels, provided the scissor lift.
Follow along at kelsosclimateaction.ca
