The Rotaract Club of North Bay–Nipissing in partnership with the North Bay Canoe Club held its 8th Annual Up the Creek Without a PADDLE event on Friday, raising over $16,000 for the Providing Adults with Developmental Disabilities Lifelong Experiences (PADDLE) Program.
This is a record total for the event.
Community leaders were sent out in dragon boats on Trout Lake where they solicited donations from friends, family and colleagues before returning to shore.
“This is our 8th year running this event and it is an exciting afternoon on the water. The energy on the beach is exceptional, and it’s all for a great organization. Not only did we reach our goal of $1000 per participant but surpassed it raising more than $16,000; this is truly amazing,” said the Rotaract Club of North Bay - Nipissing’s President Alex Rogerson.
“The North Bay Canoe Club has had the pleasure of supporting this unique event for the past 8 years. It is a fantastic initiative, bringing community members together to benefit the PADDLE program. They always come down with great enthusiasm and we look forward to this event every summer,” said Kylie-Anne Grube, Office Manager for the North Bay Canoe Club.
“The PADDLE Program is so grateful for the support of the Rotaract Club of North Bay- Nipissing and their vibrant group of young community leaders. Up the Creek Without a PADDLE is something we look forward to every year,” said Megan Johnson, PADDLE Program Coordinator. “It is even more meaningful as we see peers (PADDLERS and Young Rotarians) sharing in their unique yet similar goals to be contributing members of their community and live meaningful and joyful lives. Thank you to our community for being so supportive of the event and for continuing to participate each year.”
Over the past 8 years Up the Creek without a PADDLE has been able to raise over $92,000for the PADDLE program. This support helps to allow the program to grow. PADDLE is a community-based program that provides adults with special needs lifelong learning experiences through academics, physical fitness, life skills education, recreation and leisure.
“Without support like this from our community PADDLE wouldn’t be able to offer the services they do today, and for that we are truly grateful,” said Johnson.
