Grady's Paddle for SickKids

Fern Glen Inn • www.ferngleninn.blogspot.com

Enjoy a great day outdoors, on the water, surrounded by gorgeous scenery as you get some exercise... and all in support of a worthwhile cause.

Join us for Grady's Paddle on July 10th as we paddle down the beautiful Magnetawan River from the town of Burk's Falls to the village of Magenatwan to raise money for the Critical Care Unit at SickKids Hospital. 

The Event
The full route is 32 km, traveling with the current down the flat-water river and along Lake Ceceebe. It should take a slightly-out-of-shape, moderately active person about 7 1/2 hours to paddle. A shorter route is available for beginners, with plenty of support on the water and along the way.

The paddle ends at Lion's Park in Magnetawan, with food, entertainment and great prizes; plus complementary transportation for you and your craft back to Burk's Falls.

Bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one from one of the local outfitters. Register for the event and collect pledges from friends, family, co-workers to sponsor your day. You don't have to paddle to participate. This is a SickKids sanctioned fundraising event, with lots of support from local businesses and townships. It's sure to be a fabulous day for everyone.

The Prizes
The participant who raises the most pledges (minimum $1,000) will win the Grand Prize of a 14' Saranac Sport Kayak, made locally by Swift Canoe. Many other great prizes are also up for grabs, including outdoor gear and vacation experiences.

Why are we getting involved here at Fern Glen Inn?
For one thing, it's a great cause. Like many people, we know kids and parents who have personally experienced the care of SickKids Hospital. But beyond that, Grady's Paddle is close to home. When our friends and local B&B owners, Judy and Wayne Dibben, lost their grandson, Grady King, to congenital heart disease at just 6 months old, they knew they had to take some action to make a difference.

Judy says "I learned first hand what a family goes through, and the extra mile that everyone at SickKids goes through the try to save these children. In appreciation of their efforts, Grady's parents and I have committed to help raise funds for much needed equipment for the Critical Care Unit at SickKids Hospital."

How can you get involved?

• Paddle! Register, collect pledges, and have a great day.
• Sponsor a paddler! Jim will be paddling the full route and happily welcomes a pledge from you. Donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt from SickKids Foundation. See donation details below.
• Donate a prize! As a member of the organizing committee, I'm seeking great prize donations to reward the hard-working participants. All prize donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt for the full retail value from SickKids Foundation. Email Jackie for details.

Let us sponsor you!
Registered paddlers who stay at Fern Glen Inn for the weekend will receive a $20 pledge from us (one pledge per room). Maybe you will be the top pledge-earner and win the grand prize kayak!

Donation Details
Grady's Gift Fund is a division of SickKids Foundation. Make cheques payable to SickKids Foundation - Re: Grady's Gift. The foundation will issue tax receipts for donations over $20. To sponsor Jim's paddle, mail cheque to:
Fern Glen Inn
1462 Fern Glen Rd., RR1
Emsdale, ON  P0A 1J0

Event Details
When: July 10, 2010
Time: register between 7am and 10am
Where: Burk's Falls town docks
Forms & Rentals: Grady's Paddle
About Grady King and Grady's Gift Fund: Grady's Gift

Please spread the word and share this information with the paddlers in your life. We hope to see you on the water!