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Trudeau to speak at Avalanche Foundation dinner

At the Den, February 23

By Andrew Mitchell

Since the death of his younger brother in an avalanche in 1999, Justin Trudeau has helped to raise public awareness and funding for national avalanche programs while taking an active role on the board of the Canadian Avalanche Foundation.

Although it’s difficult to say what impact increased awareness and funding have had on the issue, the number of avalanche deaths has been well below average for B.C. and Alberta the past two years, despite healthy and sometimes record snow conditions.

On Friday, Feb. 23, the Canadian Avalanche Foundation will be hosting a fundraiser in Whistler, raising money for the Canadian Avalanche Association. The CAA provides avalanche bulletins, subsidized avalanche courses, and other educational materials to the public. The organization also works with government and other non-profits to improve avalanche education and reporting systems.

The Whistler dinner will take place at The Den Restaurant On the Lake at Nicklaus North, with a chef’s dinner and silent auction. Justin Trudeau will be on hand to make a presentation, as will CAF president Chris Stetham. The special presenter is Dr. Joe MacInnis, a physician, scientist and deep-sea explorer. He has led over 30 expeditions into the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans, written several books, and was an advisor to the Titanic Discover Team. He was also the co-leader of the $5 million IMAX film on the Titanic, and received the Order of Canada.

For more information on Dr. MacInnis, visit www.drjoemacinnis.com .

Tickets are $175 per person, or $1,500 for a table of 10. For tickets contact 403-6780-1235, or email info@avalanchefoundation.ca.