Dear editor,
With the assistance of the Cumberland Community Schools Society (CCSS), Cumberland youth organized and hosted the fifth annual Cumberland Mountain Film Festival on April 10.
The Cumberland Mountain Film Festival is the only festival that features exclusively local content and is organized right here in the Comox Valley.
The sold-out crowd enjoyed a selection of short outdoor adventure films from around Vancouver Island. Outstanding films included kiteboarding at Goose Spit, surfing on the west coast, mountain biking through scenic Cumberland, and the first winter ascent of Mount Harmston.
The festival raised more than $1,300 for the Cumberland Skatepark Project.
CCSS is a registered charity that offers a healthy food program, free after-school programs, and community programs for Cumberland residents of all ages.
The CCSS skatepark committee is partnering with the Village of Cumberland to provide Cumberland with its own skatepark. In addition, CCSS recently started offering more programs and services for youth in Cumberland, including a newly opened youth centre with youth programs and numerous leadership opportunities.
The Cumberland Mountain Film Festival was the perfect opportunity to raise funds for the skatepark while also engaging youth and providing them with an opportunity to be leaders in their community.
A huge thank you to all the filmmakers who submitted films and to the enthusiastic youth and adult volunteers who donated their time to this year’s event.
The following community businesses generously supported the festival: Ron Pogue Photography, West Coast Home Theatres, The Eagle, Relay Event Rentals, Fog and Swell, United Riders of Cumberland, Riders Pizza, and Cumberland Village Bakery. Thanks to the following local businesses who donated door prizes: Equilibrium Lifestyle Management, Blue Toque Sports Swap, Dodge City U-Brew, Mountain City Cycles, and BC Bike Race.
Genevieve Burdett
Youth co-ordinator
CCSS
