Two Cochranites looking to give back to kids in need are leaving their cell phones, and perhaps sanity, behind as they get lost in the woods of Water Valley in a Darwin-approved event of survival of the fittest.
Marni Fedeyko of Cochrane NOW/town council will square off against Renita Bartlett of Cochrane FCSS and some 14 other strangers in the fourth annual edition of Stranded – a condensed televised competition fashioned after hit reality show Survivor from Aug. 9-11.
Ahead of that, contestants must raise a minimum of $2,500 to compete and while Bartlett has already surpassed that, Fedeyko is revving up and looking for community support.
"It's definitely out of my comfort zone," said Fedeyko, a former Girl Guide was leans more toward glamping then camping lately, who is both motivated by the cause – helping send kids in need to events/experiences they may not otherwise have the opportunity to do – and the chance to disconnect from her busy life.
"It's totally out of my element. I like to book hotel rooms and cabin with hot tubs," laughed Bartlett, who is in it to win it. "I've always been pretty passionate about Kids Up Front ... I've worked in non-profit for 20 years."
Bartlett said she is looking forward to the Survivor-themed challenges that await.
"It's our brainchild as a fundraiser," explained Landon Wesley of Calgary-based Kids Up Front, adding that it's one of two major events for the registered charity each year – in addition to their annual poker tourney.
Wesley said last year the event raised $70,000 to go toward sending kids with disabilities, illnesses or financial barriers to special events.
"We're literally the non-profit Ticketmaster," said Wesley, explaining that the organization works with over 300 partnering agencies, including three in Cochrane.
His advice for the ladies?
"The game starts right when you get on the bus. The biggest advice I have is to start playing the game right away."
While Bartlett and Fedeyko are playing it nice, both said it's gloves off come Aug. 9.
Before that, the duo is co-hosting a fundraiser at Killarney's Pub on July 20 at 7 p.m. All ticket proceeds for the event, where patrons will croon to the tunes of Braden Crawford and No Refund, will go to the pair who will split the proceeds for their fundraising efforts. Tickets are $10, available at the pub or from either Bartlett or Fedeyko.
To donate or learn more, visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/kids-up-front-foundation-calgary/p2p/stranded2019/.
