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PADDLE event generates big money on the water

'We are absolutely thrilled to be in a position to help the program, I really wish that we did not have to'
2022 06 27 PADDLE program
One of the participants taken out on Trout Lake as part of the 12th annual Up the Creek without a PADDLE event. Photo submitted.

Steven Venasse says he recognizes the value of the PADDLE program. 

In fact, the president of the Venasse Building Group Inc., says his mother helped start the program itself. 

"It exists due to the gaps in government services and PADDLE was founded to fill a need within the community and there is nothing like this program in the community," said Venasse. 

He was among a handful of participants who hopped into a boat to raise some money for the PADDLE, which is a learning centre that provides adults with special needs opportunities and choices in learning experiences and community involvement. The PADDLE Program is designed to be flexible, adaptive, inclusive, community-based, interactive and responsive to individual needs, choices, interest, and abilities. 

Despite its absence since 2019 due to COVID-19, this year's fundraiser, the 12th annual Up the Creek Without a PADDLE event, raised $53,768 on the water through the Rotaract Club of North Bay-Nipissing. 

“Participants are put into Dragon Boats, supplied by the Canoe Club of North Bay, and sent out on Trout Lake as they raise funds to ‘buy’ their paddle back to shore,” explains Alex McDermid, Rotaract Club of North Bay-Nipissing Member.

“Up the Creek Without a PADDLE was put on hold in 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a fantastic feeling to be able to run an in-person event again and support such a wonderful organization. All funds raised go directly to support the PADDLE Program in North Bay.”

Those who took part in Monday's event at Olmstead Beach on Trout Lake in North Bay were Bob Cunningham, Mark Lamontagne, Megan Durocher, Ted Thomson, and Venasse. 

"We are absolutely thrilled to be in a position to help the program, I really wish that we did not have to," Venasse admitted. 

"It is important for people to get behind this and do what they can."

Up the Creek Without a PADDLE is run by the Rotaract Club of North Bay - Nipissing with support from the North Bay Canoe Club and entertainment by Sellebration Productions.

Those who still wish to make a donation can do so online at www.paddlenorthbay.ca.


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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