Jeepapalooza – a drive for charity

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

A submariner with HMCS Chicoutimi, along with other members of the military community, is gearing up for next month’s Jeepapalooza cancer fundraiser.

The May 17 to 20 event combines camping and camaraderie with a weekend-long off-road caravan for jeep and SUV enthusiasts, taking them on a journey past lakes, streams valleys and mountain vista points on logging territory of the Comox Valley.

This will be Petty Officer Second Class Oleg Mamontov’s fifth time as a participant in the sixth annual event.

He returns year after year for a few days of fun and adventure, but also because it serves a much more practical purpose.

“The whole point of Jeepapalooza is to raise as much money as we can for the B.C. Cancer Foundation,” says the 42-year-old submariner. “We are looking for individuals and businesses to support us in any way they can from monetary donations, to donations of prizes for our silent auction, to buying raffle tickets.”

Jeepapalooza’s goal this year is to raise funds for the Immunotherapy Research Program at Vancouver Island’s Deeley Research Centre of Victoria. Last year, support for the event surpassed expectations with $31,000 raised. This year, the charitable event hopes to meet or surpass that total.

As for the fun factor, PO2 Mamontov says that begins after participants set up their campsites at the Jeepapalooza camp ground. After that, most of their time during daylight hours is spent off-roading in jeeps and other similar-style vehicles on a huge swath of private property owned Timber West Logging territory.

When the vehicles are turned off the fun and friendship-building ramps, says PO2 Mamontov.

“During the day it’s all about big jeeps, big tires and lots of mud, but the fun continues at night. If you like the outdoors but are not into exhausting activities like hiking and like to meet new people this might just be the perfect event for you and your friends and family.”

For more information about the event and ways you or your business can support Jeepapalooza, contact PO2 Mamontov or visit the website www.jeepapa­loo­zabc.com