Alex's Whitewater Climb for KERPA
July 5, 2025
How many laps can you do?
Join us up at Whitewater for a meaningful day in the mountains as we remember Alex Zimich and raise awareness and funds for KERPA — the Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association.
On July 5 from 7:00am to 5:00pm, Rob Zimich, Alex's dad, will be running and hiking laps from the Hummingbird Lodge to the top of the Silver King chair. Whether you'd like to challenge yourself with a lap or two, cheer Rob on, or simply come visit and learn more about KERPA’s lifesaving work — everyone is welcome.
This event is held in honour of Alex Zimich, who tragically lost his life in a boating accident on Kootenay Lake on May 26, 2022. That day, Dr. Nicholas Sparrow from KERPA arrived by helicopter and delivered hospital-level emergency care on the lakeshore.
While Alex could not be saved, the presence of KERPA and Dr. Sparrow’s exceptional skill and compassion brought peace to the Zimich family and saved Rob’s life.
We invite you to take a lap (or as many as you like) up to the top of the Silver King chair, visit us at the Hummingbird Lodge for a barbecue, celebrate Alex’s memory and support KERPA’s mission, or donate to KERPA and help them continue this vital work in our region.
Alex’s Whitewater Climb for KERPA is more than just a day on the hill — it’s a celebration of community, remembrance, and gratitude. Alex loved the outdoors — in winter on the ski hill, and in summer hiking and climbing — and we know he'd be stoked to see friends, family, and new faces out in the mountains. We hope you'll join us to support this incredible cause and honour Alex's legacy.
KERPA is a Canadian registered charity, founded in 2016, that sends qualified volunteer Emergency Response (EMS) physicians directly to the scene of the most critical and immediate threat to life 911 calls in the Kootenay area and it is fully funded by community donations.
The Zimich family is very thankful for the first responder support Rob and Alex received on that day from the 911 dispatch, the Creston RCMP, and the BC Ambulance Service, and they are incredibly grateful for KERPA and Dr. Sparrow. Living in large city centers, it can be easy to take for granted the availability of extensive emergency and medical services. What KERPA provides for our rural and isolated communities is truly remarkable.
For more information, reach out to .
