Canoeists raise money for cancer research in Port Severn

Dozens of people took to the water of the Trent Severn on Sunday to raise money for cancer research.

The 14^th annual ‘Canoe for Cancer’ was hosted by the Gloucester Pool Cottagers Association. Paddlers went from Big Chute to Lock 45 at Port Severn. It’s an event many, like Naomi Emmet, haven’t missed since it started.

“You have these things that just become tradition, I think now it’s expected that every Labour Day weekend it’s the expectation it will happen.”

The event began in 2000 when two women paddled 500 kilometres across Ontario to raise money for cancer research. When they paddled the stretch through Port Severn, the Gloucester Pool Cottagers joined in.

Now, the group raises more than $30,000 each year - $250,000 since it started. Collecting dock-to-dock is all part of it, something Patti Moore does with pride.

"It really touches your heart, there are so many places people could donate to and when we chose something and everyone supports it, it’s wonderful."

Nearly 210 Canadians die from cancer every day. At age ten, Rachel Bolhouis is just learning about the devastation of cancer but she knows why she’s paddling.

“I want to help people with cancer to make them feel better.”

Some needed a little help along the way, and thanks to the escort by the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Marine Unit, everybody completed the 13 kilometre route.