Paddle for Fairvern raises almost $30,000 (and counting) in its fifth year

Any day on the water is a good day, some would say. That’s doubly true when you’re on the water paddling for a good cause.

It was a cool, wet morning when 42 paddlers set out from Hutcheson Beach on August 12 for the fifth annual Paddle For Fairvern, but the weather did nothing to lessen their spirit.

“All paddlers and volunteers were drenched but were quite cheerful on their return to the Hidden Valley Chalet for the barecue,” said Mary Edmonstone, co-chair for the fundraiser. “They said they enjoyed paddling the calm waters with little boat traffic, and, although it was raining, there was no wind and it wasn’t cold. I think they were good sports!”

Organizers were aiming for a five-year fundraising total of $150,000 in honour of Canada’s 150th and Fairvern’s 35th anniversary and they reached that handily. Forty-two paddlers (down from 52 last year) raised $19,585 as of the morning of the event, up more than $5,000 over the 2016 pledge total. When combined with corporate sponsorships of $9,630, the 2017 Paddle For Fairvern raised $29,340 for a five-year total of $155,417. With pledges continuing to come in, that number will keep rising. All of the money goes to Fairvern’s redevelopment fund.

This year, six of Fairvern’s staff members paddled together and quite a few loyal supporters have paddled all five years, said Edmonstone, with many planning to paddle again in 2018. (Read about two of the fundraiser’s ardent supporters, Jeannie and Brian McLennan here.)

Why do they do it? For the residents, of course.

Marlene Müller, a Personal Support Worker (PSW) at Fairvern, has paddled every year, this year raising $4,705 by the start of the fundraiser. “I paddle for the residents. They need a home,” she said. “I believe that Huntsville, the community, needs the home to keep the seniors who have lived here all their lives here.”

Müller was joined by co-workers Andrea Gaian, Melissa Martin, Trudy Moody, Amber Payne, and Kim Williams on the paddle. It was the first year for Martin, Moody and Payne; Gaian was there for the second time and Williams paddled with her daughter Gabby for the third year.

“I do it because it’s fun and it’s good for the residents. It goes to a good cause,” said Williams, adding that the date is also near her daughter’s birthday. “She told me she would rather do this than have a party.”

Payne decided to participate this year because “I thought it would be a lot of fun and support my work and raise some money to rebuild Fairvern. I’m hoping to see a nicer, updated home so residents have somewhere nice to live.”

PSW Andrea Gaian moved to Huntsville two years ago from Hamilton and said she was immediately impressed by the support the community has for Fairvern. “Coming from a big city where there’s really no not-for-profit homes like Fairvern, it’s incredible. I couldn’t wait to jump in with both feet last year and I’m excited to be here again. I’m paddling for the residents so we can have our new home and move on to bigger and better.”

The residents appreciate their efforts, cheering the paddlers on from above the Muskoka River with cowbells and a large ‘Thank You Paddlers’ sign.

Fairvern’s Administrator, Tracy Badger, said she couldn’t be prouder of the home’s staff who were paddling. “They are very committed to the residents, and they are very dedicated to seeing Fairvern move forward and get into a new building. They give up a day off to do this.”

Deputy Mayor Karin Terziano and former Fairvern board member, Tim Withey, have paddled together for the past four years.

“Healthcare in our community is paramount and Fairvern in particular, with the upcoming redevelopment, needs every dollar given,” said Withey. “Being near the hospital, it will create this campus of care, and being bigger, it will create more employment, and (the residents and staff) will be out of that building that’s basically falling down around their ears. Last January we had 76 beds and a monthly waiting list of 80 people, so the need is there. I think it’s going to be a spectacular facility.”

“It’s something that we can’t afford to lose,” added Terziano, “both from the standpoint of care and employment. I had two different grandparents who were at Fairvern at different times, so I spent a lot of time there as a visitor and realized the importance of it.”

Fairvern’s board is waiting to hear from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care if it has been approved to increase the home’s number of beds from 76 to 96.

Related stories:

Paddle for Fairvern launches with $150,000 goal

Campus of care approach planned around Fairvern’s redevelopment

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