Paddle for Fairvern has raised more than $200,000 for the non-profit home’s new build over the past six years. Following a remarkable $55,000 raised last year, event organizers are upping the ante to a $75,000 goal for 2019. And with just under two weeks to go, they are well on their way there.
For the past six years, the paddle has followed a 15-kilometre route beginning from Hutcheson Beach on Lake Vernon, continuing along the Muskoka River into Fairy Lake, and then through the canal into Peninsula Lake and the final destination at Hidden Valley Beach.
This year, organizers have added a new route for those who might not want to paddle quite so far: a 5.5-kilometre option that begins at Hutcheson Beach and ends at the dock next to the Canada Summit Centre. It’s ideal for families who want to participate.
All paddlers are invited to a delicious barbecue lunch served up by volunteers in the afternoon at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area.
Paddlers can either pay a $50 registration fee for the August 10 event, or have the fee waived by raising funds, all of which go to Fairvern’s redevelopment.
Funds are also raised via sponsors. “We have had such overwhelming support from our business community. It never ceases to amaze me how generous everyone is,” says Jerrett. Local radio station The Bay came on board as title sponsor this year with a donation of $5,000.
Fairvern has served the Huntsville community for 37 years but the aging building must be replaced to meet new requirements for long-term care. The Ontario Government approved an additional 20 beds for Fairvern to bring the redevelopment to 96 beds, but with the announcement this spring that the Province would be adding thousands more long-term care beds to the system, the home is hopeful it will be approved for even more. Donated land near the hospital is ready and waiting, and both Town of Huntsville and District of Muskoka councils have approved financial support.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will only provide a portion of the funding needed to rebuild Fairvern. The remainder must be raised through community initiatives, like Paddle for Fairvern.
“A new building is so important to the seniors who call it home,” says Jerrett. “Words can’t thank everyone enough [for their support].”
There’s still time to register for the event. To learn more about Paddle for Fairvern, visit paddleforfairvern.ca. To register or make a donation, click here.
Huntsville Doppler is a proud media sponsor of Paddle for Fairvern.
Related story: Fairvern’s holding out for more beds as part of its redevelopment plans
Don’t miss out on Doppler! Sign up for our free newsletter here.
0 Comments