Skiers and riders are donning their helmets and getting set to Dash for Cash.

Sunshine Village will host the eighth annual Dash for Cash fundraiser this coming Saturday, in support of the Dave Irwin Foundation for Brain Injury.

The event raises money in support of acquired brain injury education, research and outreach programs.

The Dave Irwin Foundation for Brain Injury was founded by two-time Canadian Olympic downhill skier and World Cup champion, Dave Irwin and his family, in March 2002. The foundation was created following Dave Irwin's remarkable survival and on-going recovery from acquired brain injury suffered in March 2001.

“Dave Irwin’s story is an inspiration to snow sport enthusiasts,” said Doug Firby, Associate Director of Communications for Sunshine Village. “More importantly, this event underscores the safety message that Dave so strongly believes in.”

Irwin, also known as on of the Crazy Canucks, has a long history of accomplishments.

He learned to ski at 18 months of age at his father’s ski resort in Thunder Bay. He entered his first ski race at six-years-old. By age 12, Irwin had entered his first Junior Canadian Ski Championship competition.

His talent, ability and determination led to many championships and accolades.

For 30 years leading to his tragic accident in 2001, Irwin became internationally renowned in the world of skiing.

Highlights of Irwin’s career include membership in the Canadian National Ski Team and in the Canadian Olympic Team. Irwin even spent a few years working in the Marketing department at Sunshine Village.

Neurotrauma is the leading cause of death and disability for Canadians under age 45. It's estimated 5,000 Albertans are hospitalized from it each year. The Dash for Cash was established to increase public awareness and prevention of brain injuries, to fund research grants and to help fund rehabilitation and community outreach programs and services to assist brain-injured Canadians.

The event consists of teams of four who participate in dual slalom format races for fun and fundraising. Teams of four skiers, snowboarders or a combination of either can enter. To enter, each team must raise a minimum of $1,000 and all members must wear a helmet.

Prizes will be awarded for best team costume, top team and individual fundraisers, best team name, fastest team, fastest male and female, slowest individual and slowest team.

For detailed event information or to register please visit www.daveirwinfountation.org or contact Lynne Harrison at (403) 609-0697 or lynne@daveirwinfoundation.org