Donations are still rolling in, but without a doubt this year’s Paddle for Fairvern event was the most successful one yet.
Sixty-four keen paddlers raised over $32,400 by paddling for pledges from Hutcheson Beach to Hidden Valley Beach—a 15 km route. Along the way they were greeted with cheers of encouragement, especially from some of the residents and staff of Fairvern Nursing Home, who decorated the gazebo with a banner proclaiming THANK YOU PADDLERS.
When you add the corporate sponsorships to the money raised by the paddlers you get an impressive total of over $52,000.
Fairvern Nursing Home recently received approval from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) for its redevelopment plans, which will see a new 96-bed facility built adjacent to the Huntsville Hospital property. All the funds raised in the paddle will go toward the not-for-profit long-term care home’s redevelopment fund.
A little healthy competition is good for everyone and Paddle for Fairvern has its fair share of that. Paddlers compete for the honour of being recognized as a top fundraiser. This year Rob Seymour stepped up his game by busking around town for donations.
The top six fundraising paddlers are:
Marlene Müller – $6,360
Rob Seymour – $4,494
Jeannie McLennan – $3,020
Team Stilwell – $1,920
Ross Stead – $1365
Fraser Hunt – $1145
In addition to recognizing the top fundraisers, Fairvern Nursing Home gives a day off with pay to the top fundraising staff member. It was no surprise to those in attendance that Marlene Müller walked away, again, with that prize. A well deserved day off as Marlene was also the overall top fundraiser. The Fairvern staff members raised $8,400. They are: Marlene Müller $6,360, Trudy Moody $1,140, Andrea Gaian $450 and Amber Payne $450.
This was the sixth annual Paddle for Fairvern and over the past six years the pledges and sponsorships received for the day have totaled over $206,000. This year the Paddle committee recognized those paddlers who have been with the event since the beginning: Denice Spykerman, Meaghan Rye, Alexis Millhiser, Brian McLennan, Jeanie McLennan, Rob Seymour and Marlene Müller.
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- Volunteers Paul and Anne McKinnon help carry the boats to the beach launch.
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- Volunteers Rob Edmonstone (L) and Josh Moores, who is also an employee at Fairvern, transport the boats from Hidden Valley to the start of the paddle route at Hutcheson Beach.
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- An early morning treat for the paddlers as they are piped in by bagpiper Brian Raaflaub.
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- It’s 7:30 am and the first wave is off!
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- Volunteers Rosie Adams and John Garlick ensure that everyone is well fed after their long paddle.
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- Tim Withey and Duputy Mayor Karin Terziano prepare to head out. They completed the 15 km course in a speedy two hours and 20 minutes!
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- Dana Murdy, Fairvern Board chair, and Dr. Brett Hennenfent get an early start on the 15 km route.
Volunteer organizer, Mary Edmonstone, was very pleased with how the day turned out. “The Paddle event is evolving with increased awareness of the approval to build the new, larger Fairvern,” she said. “Paddlers are actively seeking pledges, bringing their friends to paddle with them, and the business community is responding generously to our sponsorship requests. The efforts of the Paddle Organizing Committee, which has included board members and staff during the last six years, have paved the way!”
Many people may not realize that the fundraised money is needed to help build the new building, but also to provide furnishings (such as beds) and equipment for the residents. These items are not tax supported.
Save the Date—the next Paddle for Fairvern is August 10, 2019.
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