If you are under 30 or if you lead children and youth on trips to the mountains, you may qualify for a grant of up to $1,500 to undertake alpine expeditions. Since its inauguration in 2009 the Memorial Fund has disbursed $14,275 to 18 projects undertaken by youth groups in the mountains. These have supported a wide range of activities, both on and off Vancouver Island, such as ACC-VI Kids and Youth, Scout troops, Indigenous youth, climate studies, challenging hikes of the entire VI Trail, first ascents and ambitious alpine expeditions. Check out the “Memorial Fund/Youth Grants” page on the ACC-VI website and apply before March 31, 2026. For additional information please contact Geoff Bennett at funds@accvi.ca.