The Annual Wilderness Wind Paddle-a-thon
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What is it?
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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.
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Where does the money go?
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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%)
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How can you be involved?
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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:
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Some History
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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.
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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!
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Wilderness Wind
2945 Hwy 169
Ely, MN 55731
Summer months
218-365-5873
November to May
is 330-763-3265
E-mail us |
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