Photo: Elevation Outdoors

A local non-profit organization is looking to raise funds through a creative, COVID-friendly event this week.

On Friday, Elevation Outdoors is hosting an online film festival that anyone can tune into from the comfort of their own couch.

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival will include 12 different films.

“We have selected 12 fantastic films for our audience to enjoy with a focus on a wide range of outdoor experiences from the first blind man to paddle the Grand Canyon to that strong impact a person can have on their community by choosing to ride his bike every day,” said Mike Greer, executive director of Elevation Outdoors.

Tickets for the live stream are $25 for up to two people and $40 for a house of three or more people.

“The proceeds from the event help us create scholarship seats and provide opportunities for youth in our community that may otherwise never have the chance to experience the joys of sliding on snow, the rush of riding a bike down a trail, or the feeling of accomplishment that comes from reaching the top of a challenging hike,” Greer said.

Elevation Outdoors has introduced hundreds of underprivileged young people in the Okanagan to a variety of new outdoor sports since 2007. The organization holds several four- to seven-week programs throughout the year, where they teach young people who may otherwise not be able to afford it, how to mountain bike, snowboard, hike, sail and rock climb.

In past years, Elevation Outdoors largest fundraiser event was their On the Lawn four-week long lawn bowling tournament in the summer, that regularly raises upwards of $20,000 for the non-profit. But organizers had to cancel that event this year due to the pandemic.