Two men endure ghost pepper agony for local charity

When two men square off for their version of the world championship ghost pepper contest, the results are predictable and painful. Dave issued a bold challenge to the world over social media, claiming that he was the undisputed champion of ghost pepper eating. He dared anyone to try and dethrone him. He even offered to supply the ghost peppers, which were grown by his wife, Kristy in their back yard. Kristy had watched Dave try to eat the whole peppers before and she cautioned him against doing it again. But common sense and good listening are not Dave's strongest attributes and he went ahead with the challenge anyway.

Dave's motivation was actually fueled by his desire to help a local charity, One City Peterborough in their fight against homelessness. He intended to raise pledges and also publish a video of the shenanigans, with all of the proceeds helping vulnerable members of the community who faced residence challenges. The pain would be short lived and the glory of the title belt would go on for years.

Mark Smith is a man with a big heart who has been backing good causes for decades. His employer, Fitzsimmons Garage and Repair has been helping community causes for just as long and they agreed to sponsor the event. Spectators were invited to watch the antics and join in if they wanted to. Mark and Dave agreed to chew a ghost pepper for 30 seconds, swallow and then endure the heat for at least a minute. The first one to ring the bell and go for the milk would lose the challenge.

Mark and Dave had been taunting each other for weeks leading up to the challenge, posting on social media that they were both determined to outlast their opponent. In the end, both realized that they had bitten off more than they could chew and they tapped out with milliseconds of each other to get some relief. Milk was supplied by Kawartha Dairy, and although it has a soothing effect, the pain subsides for only a few seconds. These peppers are rated as 1.2 to 2M scoville heat units, making them one of the 5 hottest peppers in the world. A few peppers are marginally hotter but scorched taste buds can't really differentiate between number one and number five on the heat scale.

Mark and Dave sipped and gulped milk for more than twenty minutes to relieve the pain. Although this was not a hot day, sweat rolled off their faces and tears flowed from their eyes. Even their noses dripped as their entire faces screamed at them.

Osmow's Restaurant in Peterborough donated gift cards for the sponsors, which was very appropriate considering the sauce choices that they offer for extreme spice on their delicious cuisine. Mark and Dave may not have really proven that they are champions of anything except being willing to go all out for a good cause. $850 was raised for One City Peterborough.