Canoeists raise $2,700 for area kids

Ken Johnston
Editor

They were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of friends and family at the Rainy River Government Dock.
Ten canoeists made a four day journey from Fort Frances to Rainy River to raise money for youth activities at the United Native Friendship Centre and for the Ontario Provincial Police’s D.A.R.E. program. All totalled they raised about $2,700, half of which will go to UNFC youth programs and half to D.A.R.E.
The trip began Monday just west of the Abitibi dam. The first day was the longest part of the journey seeing the five canoes travelled downstream to Emo. While the current was with them, the wind was not. “Fighting the wind was tiring,” said trip coordinator R.J. Comeau.
In Emo they were greeted by members of the UNFC who cooked them a meal.
The next day the length of the trip was shorter, but it did pose to be a considerable challenge. Facing strong headwinds again, they had to decide if they would portage around the Manitou and Long Sault Rapids or shoot them. Three chose the latter option.
In case of emergency the Couchiching First Nation Police provided a marine unit to follow the canoeists. At the rapids the three that chose to shoot the rapids off loaded gear into the police boat. It was a good thing they did as they could easily capsized. “Two went through backwards and the third went sideways,” said Comeau.
However, that did not frighten them, “It was a real blast going through the rapids,” said John Grozelle.
After the rapids they shored up at Barwick for the night.
Day three they lost the wind and had a great trip to Pinewood. Many of the canoeists commented on how beautiful the Rainy River is and noted the wildlife they appreciated along the way. “An eagle followed us all the way down the river,” said Grozelle.
In Pinewood Father James Panikulam offered to let them sleep in the Catholic Church there and they gladly took him up on the offer.
Day four they rose early and headed for Rainy River where they arrived around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. They were greeted by the largest group of people yet who cheered and welcomed them.
Rainy River’s Legion and Chamber of Commerce then sponsored a lunch for them at the legion hall.
Legion President Gerry Marchuk then informed R.J. that they would be donating $500 to the canoeists’ cause.
Comeau said the trip was an overwhelming success and noted that next year they hope to have ten canoes make the journey. Several girls that made the trip down to cheer them on pledged that they will be going next year and there was even the suggestion that they would challenge the boys to a fund raising race and a race to Rainy River.
Comeau said the support from the Training and Learning Center (Weechi-it-te-win), the UNFC and many groups along the way was a big part of their success. He also expressed a big thank you to Rainy River for the welcome noting, “Rainy River has been one of our biggest supporters both last and this year.”