Canoeists travelling the Rainy River this week to raise money for youth programs

Ken Johnston
Editor

For the second year in a row a group of hearty individuals will be braving the elements this week and travelling by canoe from Fort Frances to Rainy River to raise money for youth activities.
R.J. Comeau of the United Native Friendship Centre in Fort Frances said Friday that they have more than doubled the participation in the event this year. Five canoes and ten people left Fort Frances Monday morning. They are Comeau himself, Steve Parks, Chris Starling, Sheldon Legarde, Bill Morrison, John Grozelle, B.J. Wilson Stanjicoming Chief Edward Morrison and Trevor Mayer who has come all the way from Sudbury to take part in the trip.
As of Friday Comeau said they had raised around $2,500 in pledges, which is about half of last year’s take on the fundraiser. However Comeau said they had some fairly big donations from one or two parties last year.
He sent out letters to businesses across the district asking them to sponsor the trip at a rate of $1 per mile. There are about 100 miles of river they will be travelling. However, Comeau noted that they will accept any size or form of donation. “Any amount is greatly appreciated and if people want to donate food to help us out at our stops that would be great too,” said Comeau.
The first leg of the trip took them to Emo Monday evening where a celebration was held. Tuesday they headed for Barwick and Wednesday to Stratton.
They are scheduled to arrive in Rainy River on Thursday between Noon and 1 p.m. A welcome is being planned for them at Hannam Park.
The funds they raise from the trip will be donated to two youth groups at the Friendship Centre and half of it will go to the O.P.P.’s D.A.R.E. program which benefits young people right across the district.
The Lil’ Eagles Program and Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre provide cultural, recreational, educational and social activities for kids from 6-12 and 12-18 respectively.
Last year only two canoes made the trip. Comeau hopes the event will continue to grow in the years to come.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can call Erin or Rayleen at the Friendship Centre (274-0561).