The Subaru of Orillia Ski Day is set to return for its seventh year, bringing the community together for a day of fun on the slopes, all for a meaningful cause.
Scheduled for Saturday, March 8, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the The Heights Ski & Country Club in Horseshoe Valley, the event will raise funds for the Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH) Foundation, specifically benefiting cancer care initiatives.
“Cancer care is a cause that’s close to our hearts,” said Mark Shivers, general manager of Subaru of Orillia. “Many of our staff members, as well as families in our community, have been affected by cancer. We also lost one of our longtime employees to cancer about a year ago, so this event means a lot to us.”
The Subaru of Orillia Ski Day is open to everyone — skiers, snowboarders, and winter enthusiasts of all ages.
In addition to a full day on the slopes, attendees can enjoy hot chocolate, live music inside the chalet by David Shaw of Northern Joinery, and on-site entertainment provided by Max FM.
A silent auction will also run throughout the event, featuring items donated by local businesses, with an online version leading up to the big day.
Lift tickets are available for $45 in advance or $55 at the door, with all proceeds going to the OSMH Foundation.
“Our goal this year is to exceed $13,000,” Shivers said. “We came close to that figure a couple of years ago but just fell short. With the great snow conditions this winter, we’re optimistic about hitting that mark and having a fantastic day on the hill.”
Supporting the OSMH Foundation is a natural fit for Subaru of Orillia.
“The hospital is the heart of our community,” Shivers said. “Many of our customers and employees rely on its services, and we know how vital it is to the well-being of Orillia.”
But the dealership’s commitment to giving back goes beyond this event.
“For us, it’s not just about selling cars; it’s about building relationships within our community,” Shivers said. “Like any relationship, it’s about give and take. We want to support the people who support us.”
While, in recent years, funds have been specifically directed to OSMH, the Subaru of Orillia Ski Day has raised about $30,000 for various local causes.
“We’d like to extend our gratitude to the local businesses that contributed to our silent auction and to Max FM for their support,” Shivers added. “We couldn’t have organized this event without them.”