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He’s climbing for the kids Dave Lemire is back to challenge the stairs at Tsawwassen’s Fred Gingell Park
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Dave Lemire is heading back to the stairs at Fred Gingell Park in Tsawwassen for another round of climbing. He plans on going for four hours straight during his Climb for Kids fundraiser this Saturday. Lemire was able to raise approximately $11,000 last year for B.C. Children’s Hospital, making 41 trips up and down the stairs, which have been described as Tsawwassen’s version of the Grouse Grind. “I just have a good feeling when I do it. It’s simple as that,” he said. Lemire, who’s been busy training in preparation for his upcoming challenge, said he’ll be climbing with the same three people in his heart: his niece’s son Noah Stephenson (who has undergone cochlear implant surgeries) along with Myles McHattie and Johnny Racich. Lemire, the produce manager at the Tsawwassen Save-OnFoods, became friends with Racich, a young kid who would visit with him while his mom would do her grocery shopping. Racich, who had a condition called Apert’s syndrome, passed away when he was 16. Lemire eventually became good pals with McHattie, who gave a eulogy at Johnny’s funeral. McHattie has cerebral palsy. Gerry Racich, Johnny’s mom, said her son and Lemire had a great friendship. “What was cool about Dave was Dave never saw the disability. He just saw a funny kid and
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Dave Lemire will be climbing the stairs at Fred Gingell Park for four hours straight this Saturday in his Climb for Kids fundraiser to benefit B.C. Children’s Hospital. Johnny loved that about him,” she said, adding it was Johnny’s dream to work with Lemire. “Dave stepped up and created this event. Everyone can get behind it. Everyone can feel good about it,” she said. Johnny’s dad John trained
with Lemire last year in preparation for his first fundraiser. He said it means a lot to them that Lemire is willing to take on the event. Lemire said his wife Lori and Save-On co-worker Peggy Coonfer have been very sup-
portive. Lemire will be climbing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fred Gingell Park, 265 English Bluff Rd. There will be food and music. Donations will be accepted at the event as well as online at http://bit.ly/1MTQ0lm.
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