Grad Students Paddle for a Great Cause!

August 2012

Becky & Beth Pero

On September 1, 2012, Becky and Beth Pero will take part in a fundraising journey that will see them spend 3 days stand up paddle boarding the Rideau Canal. These Queen’s graduate students will be accompanying Scott MacKinnon of Belleville, Ontario in his quest to paddle board the Rideau Canal Waterway, journeying from Kingston to Ottawa. This will make Scott MacKinnon the first person to stand up paddle the 202-kilometer waterway!

In addition to being participants in this fundraising adventure, the sisters are both currently graduate students at Queen’s. Beth is currently in her second year of her Master’s in Education and Becky is working on her Ph.D. in Geography.What attracted these two students to the cause? Becky says that there are two reasons she wanted to get involved: “the cause is super important and I wanted something that would challenge my physical and mental capabilities.” They have been spending much of their free time paddling in anticipation of the beginning of the trip on Saturday.

The purpose of this journey is to raise $25,000 for Camp Trillium in support of children living with cancer. This cause is one that is close to Scott MacKinnon’s heart and he recognizes the important service that this Camp offers to children affected by cancer. Cancer has touched his family, and MacKinnon believes in the value of experiencing the normalcy of childhood. He aspires to raise both awareness and money in order “to help kids be kids.”

The Trillium Childhood Cancer Support Center, founded in 1984, offers and promotes recreational experiences to bring children with cancer and their families closer together. The Trillium Centre provides an environment that normalizes relationships and experiences, helping children and their families in the healing process and enhancing their quality of life. Donations will benefit Camp Trillium’s site near Sandbanks Provincial Park in Picton, Oddfellow and Rebekah Island, formerly Garratt ’s Island (since 1989).

Becky, Beth and Scott are leaving the Kingston Mills Lockstation at 10 am on Saturday, September 1. Scott MacKinnon anticipates the trip taking from seven to ten days. In anticipation of their journey, Becky and Beth ask that “any support that you could provide (financial, cheering us on, sending an encouraging word, letting your friends know about the event, or otherwise) would be awesome!” (Tax receipts are available for donations of $20 or more.)

Let’s hope for good weather and calm water as we encourage these Queen’s Grad students on their exciting adventure!

For more information on the event or to donate, please visit: www.raiseathon.ca/standuptocancer/

Visit the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/putapaddle2cancer

If you’re interested in learning more about Camp Trillium, visit: www.camptrillium.com/