We are all alumni — anyone who has ever picked up a paddle is CKC alumni. Like many paddlers, my journey began in a C15. The sport gave me purpose, community, and eventually a lifelong career. Our 1973 Junior Men’s C15 crew are still friends more than 50 years later. A testament to what this sport creates, I wrote an article about this, which you can read HERE.
Those shared experiences connect us all, whether you paddled yesterday or decades ago. Through the Alumni Council, we are working to strengthen that alumni identity and encourage giving back, through volunteering, advocacy, and fundraising.
A couple of years ago we started to raise funds for athletes. Auctions at Nationals the past couple of years have raised sorely needed funds. Many thanks to the athletes who donated National Team clothing for these auctions. One of CKC’s recent fundraising efforts is for the annual Special Olympics Boats for All campaign that brings in funds to purchase the boats that are needed for the upcoming Nationals in Ottawa and to establish a legacy for future Nationals. If you have not donated yet, please go HERE and add your support to overall funding goal.
Building on this momentum, the C15 Fundraising Challenge was born. Our 1973 Junior Men’s C15 crew from West Rouge Canoe Club has already raised $1,100, and we challenge all current and former C15 crews to reconnect with their teammates and contribute.
To add a little friendly competition, the top three C15 crews with the highest fundraising totals will be recognized. Crews will be acknowledged throughout the campaign, with final standings announced in the August 2026 CKC newsletter. The challenge runs until May 21, 2026.
Donations can be made through our CKC donation page CanadaHelps. Please choose 1. ASAP Program as the fund this will go towards, and please be sure to include your crew, club, and year, so we can keep tally!
This is just one small way to give back. Whether through donations, sponsorship, committee involvement, officiating, or getting back on the water as a master, every contribution matters. On behalf of today’s athletes and the Alumni Council, thank you for supporting the sport that gave us all so much.
For any questions, please email Graham Barton.
Per Aqua ad Fraternitatem