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The Annual Wilderness Wind Paddle-a-thon

What is it?
Kerri PAT 07 The Wilderness Wind paddle-a-thon is a two day event in northern Minnesota. On the first day, participants paddle from 30-60 miles (their choice) within the Minnesota Boundary Waters and/or the Canadian Quetico. The second day of the event includes play, celebration and rejuvenation. Thirteen energetic paddlers are participating in the 2007 paddle-a-thon on August 10th and 11th.

The main purpose of the event is to raise funds for Wilderness Wind operations, but of course we intend to have a memorable and enjoyable time doing it. In addition, we seek to make the event faithful to our mission, meaning that we seek to nurture our relationship with God and creation through wilderness living, which promotes spirituality, cooperation and environmental sustainability.

Where does the money go?
The Paddle-a-Thon was created to raise funds for Wilderness Wind operational expenses. In an attempt to make wilderness experiences accessible to people of diverse economic backgrounds, Wilderness Wind's fees do not cover the entire expenses of Boundary Waters canoe trips. Instead, our fees cover only two-thirds of all program expenses. Additionally, we desire to be a positive influence on our local community, so we have agreed to tithe a portion of the event's proceeds to the betterment of the Ely community.

In total, the funds raised by the Paddle-a-Thon support:
  • summer staff stipends
  • camper scholarships
  • equipment replacement
  • introducing additional sustainability practices and equipment into Wilderness Wind's daily functions
  • Wilderness Wind's endowment fund (10%)
  • ecological and community programs in Ely, MN (10%)

How can you be involved?
Though the Paddle-a-Thon means a full day of canoeing for some, they are few when compared with all of the people involved. We have thought of a few ways you could become a part of the event, but feel free to use your imagination and let us know how you will participate. We love to hear the ideas of people thinking outside the box! You could join with other people in your community: several people in the Goshen area planned a breakfast and short paddle to publicize the later event and raise funds within that community. Several of our board members are wearing their green paddle-a-thon shirts to special events and telling others about the event. Be imaginative!

Imagine your own participation, or you can:
Some History
Wilderness Wind's first paddle-a-thon was on August 10th, 2005. The 2005 paddle-a-thon was a great success both in funds raised and community building (among the paddlers and due to the support of the Ely community). Seven 2005 paddlers journeyed from 55-60 miles mostly along the Canadian/United States border. We raised over $10,000 and drank deeply of the gifts of beauty, physical exersion and satisfaction that wilderness travel offers. We also kept a travel log that makes us laugh and draws us back.

The 2006 paddle-a-thon was on August 9th and 10th. The 2006 padders included past and present staff as well as a board member. Six paddlers took off early in the morning with the guide of the full moon. They traveled 55-60 miles predominently in the Canadian Quetico, surprizingly enough some with a map and some without. The rejuvenation day on August 10th included a flavorful brunch, chair massages, and lots of rest and laughter. We were also very grateful for our support team's encouragement before and after the trip.

The 2006 paddle-a-thon raised $11,700. With these funds we were able to purchase an additional light-weight canoe, support quality trip leading staff, and provide camper scholarships. In 2006, we started the tradition of giving 10% of proceeds from the event to Ely area needs. With these funds seven dead trees were replaced on Ely's main street. We also supported a community agency working with at- risk youth. Thank you to each of our supporters for strengthening Wilderness Wind's mission within and beyond the Ely area.



Each year the paddle-a-thon takes on a new twist, a new route, a different support team and different participants. Join us in whatever way you are able!

2007 Paddlers 2007 Paddle-a-Thon Home Donate
 

Wilderness Wind
2945 Hwy 169
Ely, MN 55731

Summer months
218-365-5873

November to May
is 330-763-3265

E-mail us

     

 

(c) 2007 All Rights Reserved, Wilderness Wind

Wilderness Wind
2945 Hwy 169
Ely, MN 55731

Telephone:

Summer months:
218-365-5873

November to May:
316-217-1129  or  330-763-3265