About 30 participants were joined by a couple of hundred volunteers in an incredible show of strength as they climbed Mount Royal in Montreal earlier in May. The event raised a record $86,000 for children living with disabilities.

This year was the fourth edition of the annual fundraiser, which brought together about 250 people. By pushing wheelchairs up the trail, participants symbolized the daily challenges faced by families every day. After reaching the top of Mount Royal, families and participants shared a meal and took photos with the mascot, while the kids enjoyed face painting.

Philou au Sommet is a symbolic Mount Royal fundraising event and wheelchair ascent organized by Centre Philou, a non-profit that offers specialized services for children and young adults with multiple disabilities. Since 2005, Centre Philou has been supporting children with global developmental delays, as well as young adults with multiple disabilities and their families, through multiple programs specifically designed to meet their needs.

The funds raised through the event will help fund essential services, from respite care to long-term housing services for adults at Habitat Philou. The event was sponsored by La RH Boutique and Rabel Hardware.

Source: Johanie Bouffard, CityNews