Finally on the home stretch
It was supposed to rain with a possibility of a thunderstorm but the Kayaking for Cancer managed to dodge the weather as they arrived in Merrickville on Wed., Aug. 15. Chesterville’s Sharon Erdelyi (left) and Maureen Corrick (centre) paddle their way to rest and refresh overnight after a meal supplied by the Ladies of the Rideau. Moore photo
Jeff Moore
Record Staff
OTTAWA—The 18th Annual Kayaking for Cancer paddlers completed their 202 kilometre trip from Kingston through the Rideau Canal system on Sat., Aug. 18. The group left Kingston on Sat., Aug. 11, and paddled for eight days to cap off their 2018 run.
The group had shrunk from 41 paddlers last year to 21 at the start but finished with around 30. The paddlers have raised $670,000 for the Cancer Society and looked to add another $45,000 but have raised $30,150 which puts them over the $700,000 mark.
The founder of the group, Kevin Dionne has paddled in every trip since he created the popular tour doing a fantastic job organizing the event year after year. There is so much that goes into planning an event like this but he continues to up the bar and show respect and welcomes most like family.
In fact Dionne said as much on Wednesday night in Merrickville where the group stayed after day five, “This is a family.” To Dionne, it has never been about the money but was personal after losing family members to the disease.
Representing Chesterville this year was Lisa Bortoluosi, Sharon Eyrdeli and Maureen Corrick. Fred Bortolousi was helping out with the ground crew and driving one of the rental trucks. Kevin Moore from Russell and Katarina Loggie from Winchester also finished the journey. Moore raised the most money at $4,080 and Corrick was third with $3,500. Great job done by all.
