While fundraising was off to a slow start at the beginning of this month, things are looking up for the UNFC Urban Multicultural Aboriginal Youth Centre’s annual “canoe-a-thon” coming up Aug. 4-7.
“It’s started to pick up just this past week, with more and more businesses and individuals sponsoring us,” said R.J. Comeau, a Health and Wellness Youth Intervention worker and head organizer of this year’s “canoe-a-thon.”
“Things are improving and I’m really excited about that,” he added.
Comeau noted those involved are hoping to top $3,000—last year’s total—and he’s certain at least $700 has come in so far. “But there’s still pledge sheets out there and I can’t say how much those people have raised,” he remarked.
He added the fundraising hopefully will get a big push next Wednesday (July 30) when the participating canoeists, as well as members of the United Native Friendship Centre’s “L’il Eagles” program, will go door-to-door with their “canoe float” to raise awareness of the fundraiser and get pledges from the public.
This will take place through the afternoon and evening.
Proceeds from the four-day “canoe-a-thon” will go to the “L’il Eagles,” the Urban Multicultural Aboriginal Youth Centre, and the OPP’s D.A.R.E. program.
Comeau noted after last year’s success, this year has been easy to get people to participate, with 11 canoes full of UMAYC, UNFC, and “L’il Eagles” co-ordinators and board members, including UNFC president Wilma Yerxa-Bird, as well as youths who use UMAYC programming.
The canoes—carrying two people each—will leave the McIrvine Road boat launch here around 7 a.m. on the morning of Monday, Aug. 4 and arrive in Rainy River on Thursday, Aug. 7 by noon.
This is the third “canoe-a-thon.” Last year saw eight canoes in the water while the inaugural fundraiser only had two.
Anyone wishing to pledge a participant can contact Comeau at 274-0561.
(Fort Frances Times)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
