A coven of Chilliwack witches is once again raising funds for a good cause.
Local hiking group the Chilliwack Trail Sisters recently shot a Halloween-themed video and are sharing it to help raise money for Chilliwack Search and Rescue (CSAR).
On Oct. 23, about a dozen witches gathered at the base of Karver's Trail off Ross Road in Ryder Lake to film the video where they were seen performing the Witch Dance. The dance is in the style originated by Wolfshäger Hexenbrut – a.k.a. The Wolf Hunters Coven – a performance troupe in Germany.
The Chilliwack Trail Sisters call themselves a "fun-loving hiking group" and it's clear in the video they live up to that description.
The sisters, dressed in brightly coloured wigs, makeup, and tattered costumes, danced around their handmade cauldron, pumping their broomsticks up and down and cackling away.
Last year, the sisters raised $1,645 for the Chilliwack food bank. This year, they decided to pick a different organization – Chilliwack Search and Rescue.
"Through attending CSAR's information sessions, we have been well taught on how to be prepared and safe on our hikes," Chilliwack Trail Sisters wrote on their fundraiser page. "Even so, there is an added sense of security in knowing that this group of selfless volunteers is just a phone call away."
A few years ago, one of the sisters had to use the local volunteer-run rescue organization when she got stuck on a mountain.
Linda Mauch said she was “so glad” her trail sisters chose CSAR for this year's charity.
“It means something to me for sure,” she said.
To donate to the Chilliwack Trail Sisters' fundraiser for Chilliwack Search and Rescue, go to canadahelps.org/en/pages/chilliwack-trail-sisters-witches-dance-for-chilliw/.
The fundraiser goes until Dec. 31.
Chilliwack Search and Rescue is currently raising money for a new facility which is under construction on Fifth Avenue.