Paddle for Fairvern launches with $150,000 goal

Fairvern Nursing Home staff, board members and supporters gathered on June 7 to officially launch fundraising for the 2017 Paddle for Fairvern, which will take place on Saturday, August 12.

As the fifth annual paddle takes place in Fairvern’s 35th year and also during Canada’s sesquicentennial, organizers have set a goal to bring the event’s five-year fundraising total to $150,000 this year. It has raised more than $120,000 to date.

“We need paddlers, we need volunteers, and we need people to come sponsor our paddlers,” said Fairvern’s board chair Rob Laver. “One hundred per cent of what we raise at the paddle goes to our redevelopment fund.”

Fairvern is a not-for-profit long-term care home with 76 residents. “It’s important for them to have the quality of home and care they need,” said Laver. Money raised at Paddle for Fairvern and other fundraisers will all support the building of a new facility on lands near Huntsville’s hospital.

“The Town has been generous in helping us financially,” said Laver. “The District is behind us to the tune of $10.5 million as of last December. That ticks a whole lot of boxes for us. We are looking to expand the size of the home by at least 20 beds and that’s the part we are working on right now to get us to the next step and go ahead with the build.”

With the costs of construction covered by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the District of Muskoka, additional funds raised will be used for other costs like furnishings, designs, architects fees, and site assessments, said Laver. “All that sort of thing that needs to be done before we can even start.”

Fairvern board member Bev MacWilliams added, “We want community members to see we are really close to the finish line. We are waiting on final approval. We are very optimistic that it is just around the corner and the future looks promising… It’s the additional beds that we want to add to the 76 we have now to make the new Fairvern financially sustainable. If we get to 96-plus, that puts us in a healthy financial situation for maintaining and sustaining Fairvern for the future.”

: Bruce (left) and Fermina McIntosh were the first paddlers to arrive at Hidden Valley Beach in 2016

Paddle for Fairvern draws approximately 100 paddlers each year. “We have some extremely loyal supporters,” said Jan Clark, co-chair for Paddle for Fairvern, adding that they welcome both returning paddlers and those who have never participated in the event before. “Anybody who is going to end up in a bed here really needs to do something.”

Co-chair Mary Edmonstone echoed that sentiment. “Everyone needs to be thinking about their loved ones and the future of long-term care in Huntsville.”

Paddlers are asked to raise a $50 minimum pledge with many raising much more.

On the day of the event, paddlers register at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area and then they and their canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards are bussed to Hutcheson Beach to begin the paddle. They travel from there along the shore of Lake Vernon, through Hunters Bay, down the Muskoka River, across Fairy Lake, through the canal and into Peninsula Lake for the final destination of Hidden Valley beach.

The paddle is followed by a BBQ at the chalet at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area. In the past there has been a silent auction-like prize draw but this year organizers are focusing on corporate and individual donations to get them to their $150,000 goal.

To register as a paddler or volunteer, or to donate or sponsor a paddler or the event, visit paddleforfairvern.ca.

Why Family Place Restaurant supports Paddle for Fairvern

Campus of care approach planned around Fairvern’s redevelopment

District funding commitment for Fairvern redevelopment ‘a Christmas wish come true’

Don’t miss out on Doppler! Sign up for our free newsletter here.