Friends and family of Kenneth McAlpine have begun an effort to carry on his mission even after his death.
McAlpine was the former Collingwood man who died Aug. 26 after falling from a cliff during a mountain hike in BC.
“Kenneth was a son, a brother, a friend to many, and a positive influence and support in so many communities,” reads a statement posted in a Go Fund Me campaign started in his memory.
The campaign aims to continue his positive influence by raising funds for Kidsport Canada, which is a charity helping children participate in sports through financial subsidies.
“This world can’t afford to lose souls like Kenneth’s,” reads the Go Fund Me page. “Though he’s no longer with us physically, it’s our responsibility as his friends and family to carry on his legacy and spirit while we’re still able.”
The goal of the fundraising campaign is set at $10,000 with about $2,000 going to pay for a memorial bench and tree in the Town of Collingwood.
There is currently a moratorium on memorial benches for the rest of the year while council waits on recommendations for a town-wide policy. But the Go Fund Me account states the bench and tree will be dedicated in the spring.
The Go Fund Me campaign and donations for Kidsport is a start in what organizers hope will be a long line of benevolent behaviour in McAlpine’s honour.
“Let’s all commit to commemorating Kenneth through random acts of kindness every day, or shall we call them ‘GIVE’Rs?’” reads the Go Fund Me campaign, a reference to McAlpine’s team name when he and friend Ryan Lachapelle competed in season five of The Amazing Race Canada.
The page shows $8,812 raised so far. You can find the Go Fund Me campaign here.