GALLERY: Skiers, snowshoers enjoy sweets at ARCH fundraiser

Mild temperatures and some sunshine were a welcome sight for the dozens of snowshoers and skiers who stopped by Stokely Creek Lodge on Sunday for this year’s Chocolate Express fundraiser in support of ARCH Hospice.

Participants and teams using Stokely’s snowy trails visited several tasty stations along the way to savour a variety of chocolates and desserts, as well as hot chocolate.

ARCH executive director Nicole Pearce said the event has grown significantly since their inception, and the team feels incredibly grateful for the community’s support.

“This event helps keeps our doors open, but it’s also part of our mission to live fully,” she told SooToday. “I think spreading that word is just as important, along with making memories with the people you love.”

“We also never run out of chocolate which is great,” she added.

To register for the Chocolate Express, participants each paid $30 or raised $50 in pledges.

Organizers say they’re eyeing a $10,000 goal this year.

All proceeds are donated to ARCH Hospice, which requires around $850,000 annually in community support.