Two Cochrane residents and one former Cochranite raised a remarkable amount of money for the nation-wide charity Kids Up Front.

Fundraising a combined total of $14,974.50, Renita Bartlett, Shane Eklund, and Marni Fedeyko were three of sixteen contestants that competed in a weekend version of Survivor out at Camp Kindle in Water Valley.

Shane Eklund casting his vote at Tribal Council.

'Stranded: Water Valley' is not for the faint of heart, shares Nicky Nash, Executive Director for Kids Up Front Calgary. "Being a Survivor fan is obviously something that is helpful and something that describes the event itself. It is really a short version of the show itself with challenges, Tribal Council, hidden idols, and stuff like that. It is an outdoor challenge that shows people what they are made of and shows just how resilient people can be."

This is the fourth year Kids Up Front has hosted the annual fundraising event where just like the show, competitors are initially split into two tribes, asked to build their shelter, as well as live off of minute rice for the duration of the weekend. Nash says last weekend was, even more, trying as the weather was anything but nice. "One of our biggest struggles this year was the weather, but there's not much you can do about that. The competitors really showed their resilience when it came to the weather and really pushed past that. We all did the best we could with what we had."

Renita Bartlett competing in one of many challenges,

If you are wondering why people would choose to get involved, Eklund says the decision was easy. "I am always in search of great adventures; when it can be combined with meeting amazing people, raising money, and helping out an organization, there was no hesitation in my decision to apply for Stranded." 

For Fedeyko, she is hoping to use the experience as a way to create a Cochrane event that would benefit a couple of Cochrane based initiatives. "The weekend was tough, but I am hoping it will help me develop a unique event that would benefit both Big Hill Haven, Cochrane's upcoming woman shelter, as well as those suffering from PTSD."

As for the experience itself, Bartlett, shares while conditions were tough, it was more of a journey than a game. "The best part for me was unplugging and having time to reset and enjoy people and the environment around me."

Nash shares the group that competed in Stranded: Water Valley (August 16-18) was one of their best groups to date in terms of fundraising and embracing the event. "I think it was a huge success! The fundraising was so consistent, and everybody went above and beyond, which was incredible."

For Eklund, the best part of the weekend was all the people involved. "Whether it be the amazing contestants that put their heart and soul into each challenge and the phenomenal job of raising money or the outstanding staff and volunteers that worked tirelessly to make this is a great adventure, to me they were the best part."

Bartlett who was extremely pumped to compete, says the weekend was more challenging than she thought. "It was definitely more challenging than I thought.  I did not put enough thought and planning into how the elements and weather would wear on me.  I have not been camping in many many years."

Marni Fedeyko trying to not let down her tribe.

Fedeyko says the overall experience was one for the books. "It pushed me beyond my comfort levels. From wringing out my socks Saturday morning to sleeping under a leaking a tarp to having to break alliances and promises, the weekend was taxing."

While Nash and her team are just amidst wrapping up 2019's Stranded: Water Valley, she is thrilled with the support from the Cochrane community. Anticipating to surpass their 60,000 dollar goal, Nash says it would not have been possible without Cochrane. "I would like to thank everyone for their support, the Cochrane community was incredible, and we couldn't believe how amazing people were in support of the competitors and in support of what they were trying to do. So we were blown away by how much the community rallied. and we appreciate the support from the Cochrane area."

Kids Up Front provides experiences to deserving children and youth across Canada with the belief that all kids should have access to enriching experiences like arts, culture, and sporting events. Working with more than 600 partner agencies in Calgary, Edmonton, Atlantic Canada, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver the organization can put tickets into the hands of deserving kids and their families who, in turn, will have an unforgettable experience together.

Stranded: Water Valley is one of two largest fundraisers for the Calgary chapter with their biggest being a February poker tournament held at the Deerfoot Casino.

If you would like to learn more about the national charity, go HERE.For the three Cochrane competitors, they either plan to participate in an All-Star Stranded: Water Valley version or volunteer in the future.