Canoe for Cancer is a half-day fundraising event hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society Brant-Norfolk Unit, and is sponsored by Grand Experiences Canoe and Kayak Outfitters, Café de Paris, the Grand River Conservation Authority, and The Complete Paddler. This event takes place on September 19th, 2009 in Paris, Ontario, with registration beginning at 9am. As part of the event, the Canadian Cancer Society would like to take this opportunity to profile one of our past participants, so that you can understand why this event is a great opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Grand River, meet and have fun with other canoe and kayak enthusiasts, and support a fantastic cause. Today we are profiling Delhi resident Chris Lewis, who along with her husband and two children are participating in this year’s Canoe for Cancer.
Chris Lewis lives in Delhi with her family, and while she is excited about this year’s event, this is not the first time she has participated. “This is the second year in a row we are doing it,” said Chris when discussing the event. “We did it when we (Chris and her husband) were first married. I also did fifteen years ago for about three years.” This event is entering its 29th year, and participants like Chris have been coming back year after year, showing the community both how much fun this event is, and how important it is in the fight against cancer. Chris participates in this event in memory of her late father, who died of prostate cancer twenty-two years ago. Chris was still in school during this time, which shows that cancer can affect people of all ages. One of the main goals of holding events such as Canoe for Cancer is so that one day people like Chris do not have to lose a close family member or friend to cancer.
Chris is also looking forward to the event in order to enjoy the beautiful scenery that the Grand River has to offer our community. When discussing the highlights of her past experiences, Chris mentioned the natural beauty of the Grand River. “The scenery (was a highlight), the guide showing us around. We saw a one hundred year old sycamore tree which was really great. We are also looking forward to the actual kayaking, we enjoy being outside.” While having an opportunity to savor the beautiful Grand River is a great reason to be part of this event, the most important reason is to fundraise in order to help researchers find a cure for cancer. “I think the fundraising, raising money for research to find a cure is why Canoe for Cancer matters.”
If you would like to participate in this year’s event and fundraise for a great cause while enjoying the natural beauty our area has to offer, you can contact the office at 519-753-2566 or email the office at brant@ontario.cancer.ca. You can also find more information and pledge forms at our website at www.cancer.ca/canoeforcancer. A big thank you goes out to Chris Lewis for taking her time to both do this interview and to participate in the event.
