Climbing Escalade Canada (CEC) is honoured to support the MacDonald family in launching the Jaxson MacDonald Memorial Grant, a new bursary initiative created in memory of their son, Jaxson MacDonald. The MacDonald family approached CEC with the desire to give back to the climbing community and to support the next generation of Canadian youth athletes — and CEC is privileged to help bring this legacy to life.
Jaxson was a beloved member of the Sport Climbing BC (SCBC) community, a dedicated athlete and passionate routesetter. He proudly represented Team Canada at three Youth World Championships — milestone experiences that helped shape his journey as a climber and as a person. Jaxson is deeply missed, and this grant honours the impact he had on all who knew him.
Starting this year, the Memorial Grant will offer five bursaries of $1,000 each to assist youth athletes with travel expenses associated with attending the Youth World Championships.
“This initiative is a heartfelt gift from the MacDonald family, and we are deeply grateful for their trust in CEC to help deliver it,” said Christiane Marceau, Executive Director of Climbing Escalade Canada. “Jaxson’s legacy will now continue by supporting young athletes chasing the same dream he once lived.”
An independent review panel — composed of representatives from SCBC, Alberta Climbing Association (ACA), Ontario Climbing Federation (OCF), Fédération Québécoise de la Montagne et de l’Escalade (FQME), and CEC — will review applications and select recipients for this year’s grant. The application form will be made available to members of the Youth National Team following their qualification and selection at Youth Nationals this week.
The climbing community is also invited to donate to the Jaxson MacDonald Memorial Grant Fund via the CEC donation page. Contributions will go directly toward expanding the fund and continuing to support the development of future Team Canada athletes and community leaders — just as Jaxson would have wanted.
To donate or learn more, visit: DONATE | Climbing Escalade Canada
For inquiries about the grant, contact: info@climbincanada.ca
In honour of Jaxson. For the future of our sport.
