February 20, 2019 (Oro-Medonte, ON) – Hardwood Ski and Bike has announced “Friends of Hardwood”, a grassroots capital campaign to rebuild their chalet that was destroyed by fire on Christmas Day, 2017. The Friends of Hardwood campaign invites community members to support rebuilding the chalet from “puzzle piece to building block”. Supporters making a contribution of $500, $1,500, $2,500, $10,000 or $25,000 will receive a personalized puzzle piece on the Friends of Hardwood wall, along with some other great offerings. Puzzle pieces may be purchased through their website hardwoodskiandbike.ca

“I’m confident that together through our Friends of Hardwood campaign, we are going to rebuild our chalet from puzzle piece to building block,” said Gareth Houben, President and General Manager, Hardwood Ski and Bike. “The story of its’ rebuild will be a proud testament to this community’s love–and fierce support of–outdoor activities.”

The chalet where their community members and visitors gather, was truly the heart of the facility. While operations have continued since the 2017 fire, it has been challenging without one central gathering area. Despite that, Hardwood Ski and Bike has continued to offer outdoor programming, events, and activities to build community and inspire a love of the outdoors.

“Having a world-class facility like Hardwood Ski and Bike available to our community to experience the joys of playing outside in all seasons makes us very proud,” Harry Hughes, Mayor of Oro-Medonte, commented. “When a fire destroyed their chalet last year, they were able to continue. Resilient and passionate, they are working hard to rebuild their chalet and restore a central gathering place for their members and visitors. I wish them every success with their campaign.”

Building a new chalet, assisted by the Friends of Hardwood campaign, will allow Hardwood Ski and Bike to ensure that another generation of kids and parents bond over outdoor activities, another cohort of Olympians train on high caliber local trails, and that more national and international events are hosted in the Simcoe County region.

Lenny Valjas, Olympian (Team Canada Cross-Country Skiing: 2014 Sochi, 2018 PyeongChang), said about Hardwood Ski and Bike, “Pursuing an Olympic dream takes not only personal dedication, but the unwavering support of family, friends and community. I found that community at Hardwood Ski and Bike, where I grew up skiing and racing. I have wonderful memories from lots of good times spent with teammates and friends on the trails and in the chalet.”

About the Friends of Hardwood puzzle and campaign
There are five Friends of Hardwood supporter options ($500, $1,500, $2,500, $10,000 and $25,000).

Each option provides an opportunity for community members to own a personalized piece of the “Friends of Hardwood” puzzle, which will be prominently displayed inside the new Chalet. Each level also offers trail and seasonal passes and, thanks to their partner supporters Swix, Lanctôt Ltée, Salomon Canada and Rossignol, limited-edition Friends of Hardwood branded merchandise. Completing the puzzle and reaching the campaign goal of $650,000 will assist in rebuilding the best Chalet possible for Hardwood Ski and Bike, and its community. Design plans, from their selected builder Normerica, can be viewed on the Hardwood Ski and Bike website. Puzzle pieces will be assembled into an image of the new facility and displayed at Hardwood Ski and Bike’s Chalet grand opening in December 2019.