Photo: Mike Biden

A firefighter with the Penticton Fire Department is participating in a 24-hour event this spring, raising money for families battling cancer.

Issy Venables is one of 12 local residents teaming up on April 14 and 15 for the “Monster and Sea 24.”

The group will be paddle boarding for 24-straight hours in Naramata between Mill and Manitou Bays.

“The team is filled with individuals who are professionals within the community that just want to find a way to give back to the community,” Venables said.

The Monster and Sea 24 is now in its fourth year, growing from a tiny event in Seattle with one team.

Last year, 24 events happened in 23 cities across North America, collectively raising over $145,000 for 145 families battling cancer.

While Kelowna participated last year, 2018 will be the first time the South Okanagan takes part.

The group is taking donations online through GoFundMe and will also accept cash on the day of the event.

Venables explains the team is trying to raise several $1,000 pots of cash.

“So when the fundraiser is done, we will present the families that are battling cancer with an envelope, and it will have $1,000 cash in it to do whatever they want,” she said. “Anything from flying family members in, to taking a vacation or paying bills.”

The paddle relay will see the group hit Okanagan Lake as a team at 8 a.m. on April 14, rejoin for a midnight paddle, and then finish as a team at 8 a.m. on April 15. In between, each member will take turns on the water on their own.