Cancer Society youth ambassador and enthusiastic skier Lochie Win, 11, had been doing a ski challenge each year since he was 6, after seeing how helpful the Cancer Society was when his mum, Rebecca, was battling the disease.
Mrs Win has been cancer-free for six years.
"Over these years, I’ve just been trying to help them out and pay them back," Lochie said.
This year’s fundraiser was called Conquer the Summit, and participants were encouraged to sign up and ski the equivalent vertical height of Aoraki/Mt Cook in one day.
Participants could pick any other mountain of their choosing; Lochie chose Mt Everest as his goal.
While Lochie is using Coronet Peak to attempt the challenge, others can take part at any skifield around the country.
Lochie said he picked the target of two Everests because he wanted a challenge that he could fit in a day.
In order to reach his target, Lochie will need to ski for 12 to 13 hours straight, eating and drinking during his downtime as he uses the ski lifts.
To prepare, he has been skiing as much as he can.
Lochie’s dad, Luke, said those who signed up could be flexible with the goal and their fundraising target.
People could sign up as an individual or a team and could also select where and how the Cancer Society used their money, he said.
"It gives them a bit more of a feel that they’re actually having control where their donation’s going."
People who were not taking part in the challenge could also contribute to the fundraising efforts by donating to a team or individual of their choice, Mr Win said.
Mrs Win said it was about helping, doing what you could — even if it was a little.
Many people in Central Otago have had to go to Dunedin or Christchurch for treatment, staying at the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Houses, Mr Win said, including his own father.
"So, Dad went to Christchurch, and he stayed at a Daffodil House in Christchurch. The ladies realised his last name, and said, ‘oh, are you related to Lochie Win?’."
Lochie’s grandfather would call during his stay to pass on stories.
"He rang and told me this while he was up there, and then they were like, ‘oh, Lochie helped with this, you know’," Mr Win said
Lochie said he was proud to see his efforts make a difference.
When Lochie got tired, hungry or cold while out doing a challenge, he said the thought of helping people and helping them get better kept him going.
He had not thought about working with the Cancer Society when he was older but would like to continue hitting the slopes each year to help keep raising money as the organisation’s youth ambassador.
Those wishing to sign up or donate can do so at conquerthesummit.org.nz.
