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Save Our Seine hosted its 2nd annual Fundraising Paddle event in celebration of Canadian Rivers Day on June 9th, 2007. The number of people that attended on Saturday is testament that our Canadian Rivers Day event is growing in popularity. In 2006, 130 people registered. This year we hoped for 200 registrants and exceeded our expectations with 222 paddlers - that equals 112 boats!
This year we tried something new and gave paddlers the choice of two different departure locations. The original Morier Park start is a short 1.5 to 2 hour scenic paddle, suitable for all ages, abilities and families. For those who wanted to start earlier, paddle longer and see more of the Seine River environment, we added the Ecole Guyot start - a 12km route that took 3.5 to 4 hours to complete. As it turns out, the challenge of the Ecole Guyot route was just what paddlers wanted. 175 paddlers departed from Ecole Guyot while 47 paddlers choose to push off from Morier Park. Should we have an even longer paddle next year?
At Happy Land Park, paddlers said "Bonjour!" to members of Union nationale métisse St-Joseph du Manitoba while fiddlers entertained paddlers. By noon canoes began to arrive at Gaboury Lagimodiere Park and the celebration began. Sizzlin' Z's cooked smokies and veggie dogs for everyone and World of Water (on Goulet) quenched paddlers thirst with ice cold water.
Save Our Seine is grateful to have the support of the federal and provincial governments. Raymond Simard, MP for St. Boniface and Erin Selby, MLA for Southdale, attended and brought greetings from their respective governments. At 1:00pm SOS announced the names of the lucky folks who would go home with one of the many fabulous prizes. By 2:00pm satisfied paddlers loaded shuttle buses that would take them back to their vehicles.
Beautiful blue skies and bright sunshine graced our event. Throughout the day paddlers expressed how impressed they were with the river's natural beauty. One participant commented, "The Seine River is so lush and sheltered, I couldn't believe I was still in the city". Since the event, SOS has received many kudos from participants and positive coverage in the Winnipeg Free Press.
SOS sincerely thanks Dave Pancoe with Northern Soul Wilderness Adventures for his commitment to making Rivers Day 2007 a great success. Dave tirelessly worked with the SOS Green Team to ensure that the route was clear of fallen trees and free of any litter. Northern Soul donated over 20 canoes and gear to those who did not have access to a boat. When participants arrived, Dave had their canoe all ready to go! Thank you Dave, all your effort and time is very much appreciated.
SOS would like to thank all of our Event Sponsors!
Union nationale métisse St-Joseph du Manitoba
University of Manitoba
Wilderness Supply Company Ltd.
FUDE Restaurant in Osborne Village
Mountain Equipment Co-op
World of Water on Goulet
Wilderness Spirit
Sizzlin' Z's Hot Dog Cart
Casera Credit Union
S.I.R. Warehouse Sports Store
Canada Safeway
Coalition to Save the Elms
Winnipeg Trails Association
Northern Soul Wilderness Adventures
AND...
Justin Swandel - Councillor St. Norbert
Gord Steeves - Councillor St. Vital
Dan Vandal - Councillor St. Boniface
Erin Selby - MLA for Southdale
Christine Melnick - Minister of Water Stewardship, & MLA for Riel
Raymond Simard - MP Saint Boniface
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