FORT ST. JOHN -- A man is currently suspended over 100 feet in the air in Fort St. John, all for a good cause.
Dan Rigler, Regional Maintenance Manager for Sterling Crane, was lifted in the basket of one of the company's cranes earlier today. He will remain there all weekend, only coming down for bathroom breaks.
“We're doing this for Rising Above, trying to create awareness as they just opened up here in Fort St. John on October 1st,” Rigler told CJDC-TV before being hoisted.
Rising Above is a non-profit organization, who following the success of its holistic addiction treatment centre in Grande Prairie, is expanding its services into the outskirts of Fort St. John. It offers a six-month faith-based program for those suffering from substance abuse and patterns of homelessness, among other issues.
This weekend’s event aims to fundraise for the six women who will be housed as part of the initial intake, although there are plans to expand to all who require treatment.
The raised crane with someone inside symbolizing the isolation that those suffering from addictions often face.
“The community needs to know who they are, and really, it's an organization helping people break cycles of defeat or addictions, as we would typically call it, which is something near and dear to my heart,” said Rigler, who also sits as a board member for the non-profit.
It is a test of endurance for Rigler, who successfully fundraised for Rising Above in the same manner last year in Alberta.
“I can understand what it's like for people trying to overcome, and they need help,” said Rigler.
The goal of the unique fundraising event is to raise $25,000 to support its operations. Rigler and volunteers will be on site in the Safeway parking lot on 100th Street until November 24 to collect donations.
More information on Rising Above can be found on their website.
