Into the Summit for Mental Health and Wellness: Supporting Veterans Suffering from Mental Illness

Into the Summit for Mental Health and Wellness is a fundraising campaign and caving expedition with the goal of raising awareness and support for Canadian veterans and their families suffering from the devastating consequences of PTSD and other forms of mental illness.

CALGARY, Alberta - March 7, 2025 - PRLog -- The Hamilton Gault Memorial Fund, in partnership with Canmore Cave Tours, is pleased to announce the fifth "Into the Summit for Mental Health and Wellness" fundraising initiative. The event, a unique caving expedition, will raise awareness and funds for military veterans and their families who are battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health challenges.

On Sunday, April 13, 2025, 28 participants will venture into the Rat's Nest Cave – a wild, undeveloped cave under Grotto Mountain near Canmore, Alberta. At over 4 km long, Rat's Nest is one of the longest caves in Canada. Exploring this cave involves climbing, crawling, sliding and squeezing through water-worn passages past ancient cave formations.

Formally recognized as one of Canada's Historic Places in 1987, the cave was once home to a rich variety of animal species. Skeletal remains of dozens of creatures have been discovered in the cave, and the remains of over 30 mammalian species. The many paleontological resources of the cave exist alongside a diversity of insects, arachnids and worms that presently inhabit the site.

All of the 28 participants are raising funds to join this adventure. Proceeds will fund non-clinical therapies for military veterans and their families. Over $162,000 was raised from the 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021 campaigns – during which participants climbed to the summits of Mount Buller and Mount Farquhar in Kananaskis County, and through Rat's Nest Cave.

For further information to register as a caver or to donate to someone already registered, please visit:

https://www.canmorecavetours.com/into-the-summit

About the Hamilton Gault Memorial Fund

A charitable organization, the Hamilton Gault Memorial Fund receives charitable and other donations, as well as income from interest and fundraising activities, and expends funds on charitable activities that support the heritage and history of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI); offering student bursaries to members of the Regimental Family; supporting PPCLI affiliated Army Cadet Corps; and providing support to veterans and their families by promoting mental health and providing financial assistance with home modifications due to injuries or disabilities incurred during military service.

About Canmore Cave Tours

Canmore Cave Tours offers year-round, rain or shine, caving experiences in Rat's Nest Cave – a wild, undeveloped cave under Grotto Mountain. Located near Canmore in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, the cave is one of the longest caves in Canada. The company's tours of Rat's Nest Cave include a mix of adventure, education, physical and psychological challenge, and just pure fun.