Special to the Sydenham Current
Mark Lucio of Shrewsbury Kayaks wondered how he could use his kayaks to raise money to help others?
Lucio thought it would be a great idea if he could get a few friends together, and seek sponsors to help raise money for outreach food programs.
“Then I was thinking there are very few, if any, local events that happen on Rondeau Bay, so why not make an event that would appeal to everyone, not just water enthusiasts,” Lucio said.
On August 24 at 10a.m. at the Shrewsbury Dock, Lucio said he would like to see everyone including boaters to come out toot their horns, make some noise and cheer on the paddlers.
If you can paddle it – BRING IT!
Don’t have anything to paddle?
The group will supply you with a vessel.
If you CAN’T paddle, have someone paddle for you.
Lucio said there is power in numbers he stresses the importance of
participation by everyone.
“If everyone reading this just picked up a pledge sheet or made a donation
we could help so many people and make for a new cool event for Rondeau Bay,” he said.
Lucio added local companies and businesses are getting in on the event as well as employees are getting pledges from their co-workers and friends and some companies are matching their pledges, the boaters and paddlers then enter the event representing their company.
“It’s a great cause to get your company recognized,” Lucio said.
Knowing an event like this would need a team of people, Lucio contacted a few friends have organized successful charity events in the past.
“I wanted a ‘Dream Team’,” Lucio said.
“People who are recognized in our community for their good work and kindness in helping others. It’s our first time for this event so you never know how its going to turn out, but I do know if everyone helps just a little and with a little prayer everything will turn out just fine.”
Locations for pledge sheets include emailing alucio@xplornet.com, at 99.1 in Wallaceburg, Salvation Army Chatham, Maple City Bakery, Pizza Tonight, Chatham Pro Shop, Yecks Ridgetown, Bayside Brewery, Erieau Marina and Shrewsbury Bait shop.
If you would like to make a monetary donation or bring nonperishable goods, they can be dropped off at 99.1 , Salvation Army Chatham, Word of Life Church (Blenheim) or Shrewsbury Bait Shop.
Monetary donations over $25 will receive a tax receipt.
For more information contact Lucio at the Shrewsbury Bait shop, call him at 519 350-4518 or email him at alucio@xplornet.com for a pledge sheet.
The ‘Dream Team’ consist of:
– Mark Lucio, missions
– Pastor Tim Joyce, Word of life Church
– Jenelle Colbourne, Salvation Army
– Trevor Thompson, Chatham-Kent Councillor
– Jenna Leigh Postma, Christmas Toy Drive and Rant n Rave admin
– Ralph McCormick, Erieau Salmon Derby
