The Gibsons mother of Neil Falkner, a Whistler ski patroller who died in the Alberta Rockies in 2002, received an honorary award at the Outward Bound Canada Kurt Hahn 2016 Award Dinner on Oct. 18. Outward Bound Canada (OBC) hosts a national fundraiser annually. The 2016 Evening of Recognition and Celebration was held on Grouse Mountain to honour Outward Bound champions from B.C.
Judy Lynne was recognized at the event by Lindsay Cornell, B.C. program director for OBC. Cornell presented Lynne with a handmade wooden paddle in recognition of her support and commitment to the mission of OBC in memory of her son.
Lynne brought two Outward Bound student recipients to the event – Madison Tyson of the Sunshine Coast and Malena Mokhovikova of Vancouver – and each made a presentation to the audience of 150 about their August Outward Bound experience.
“Shortly after the course began, I realized I was fully capable of challenging and completing the course, and I also realized that the other members of the group had become great friends,” Madison said. “I took home more than pictures and great memories. I also took home leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.”
The Neil Falkner Outward Bound Legacy has provided life-changing opportunities for 25 young people from the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and Mount Currie areas since 2003. Lynne provides these opportunities for young people through the support of donors to Neil’s legacy fund. The cost of sending two youths annually is anywhere from $7,500 to $10,000 depending on the duration of the program.
Visit neilfalknerlegacy.ca to find out how to donate. Cheques can be sent to Outward Bound Canada, with a note on the bottom identifying the Neil Falkner Fund. Businesses and individuals can also support by donating talent, merchandise or opportunities to the annual silent auction and fundraiser held each spring.
