Fundraising slow for UNFC ‘canoe-a-thon’

There’s a lot of excitement around the United Native Friendship Centre and the UNFC Urban Multicultural Aboriginal Youth Centre these days about the annual “canoe-a-thon” coming up Aug. 4-7.
But most important element—the fundraising—still hasn’t quite fallen into place.
“We’re really, really hoping for participation from local businesses,” said R.J. Comeau, a Health and Wellness Youth Intervention worker and head organizer of this year’s “canoe-a-thon.”
“Everything else is ready to go. All we’re looking for now is sponsorship,” he added.
Comeau noted while canoeists have been getting pledges from individuals, no businesses have responded to a mail-out and fax campaign the UMAYC started a few weeks ago.
“We’re really hoping to top $3,000 [last year’s total]. Some of my co-workers are saying $10,000, but that’s a lot,” he admitted.
The canoeists also are planning to build a float of some sort and drive it around town to do some door-to-door canvassing in mid-July.
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 that after last year’s success, this year has been easy to get people to participate, with 10 canoes full of UMAYC and UNFC workers 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 on the morning of Monday, Aug. 4 and arrive in Rainy River on the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 7.
This is the third “canoe-a-thon.” Last year saw five canoes in the water while the inaugural fundraiser had only two.
Anyone wishing to participate in the “canoe-a-thon,” or wanting to pledge a participant, can contact Comeau at 274-0561.