Update:
Friends and family of a young man who died snowboarding continue to raise money in his name and have doubled their original goal.
After Tristin Croteau passed away in a snowboarding accident on Monday at Big White, a friend started a Go Fund Me page, hoping to raise money to help the family.
However Tony Nguyen was told that the family wanted the money to go towards a charity for kids who couldn’t afford sports.
Setting a goal of $5,000 on the web site, that number was quickly passed and now the funds raised sit at close to $11,000.
“Tristin would be most happy to know that the money is helping other people,” said Nguyen.
A memorial service for the 21-year-old will be held Saturday in Kelowna
Original:
The family of a popular snowboarder who tragically died on Monday at Big White is raising money to help enable children who can’t afford the sport a chance to experience it.
Tristin Croteau, 21, died at Big White on Monday, sending shockwaves through the community of skiers and boarders.
“Tristin was a brother, son, and friend to many of us,” said friend Tony Nguyen online. “Tristin had such a genuine and impactful personality. He was always supportive and never made anyone feel excluded or small. He was the most caring kind soul, was always filled with love and positivity to his friends and family.”
Nguyen has established a Go Fund me page, initially designed to help the family with finances during this tough time. However the family has indicated that the money raised should go charity to help enable children to experience sports.
In just days the fund (www.gofundme.com/tristin-croteau-funeral) has raised almost $10,000 and Nguyen said it would make his friend proud.
“Tristin would be most happy to know that the money is helping other people.”
A funeral will take place Feb. 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Everden Rust Funeral Services and Crematorium.
Meanwhile Big White issued a public service announcement following the death, the second one at the resort involving a snowboarder or skier this season.
Big White’s senior vice president Michael Ballingall urged everyone to take the time to ski and board safely.
“We’re starting to see some trends – not wearing helmets, skiing or riding alone, texting or filming when you’re riding/sliding and not paying attention to your surroundings are all becoming constant hazards around the mountain,” Ballingall wrote in an email. “We just need to do the right thing as a community and remind people to ride and ski with caution.”
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