BrainTrust Canada is introducing a new fundraiser based on an increasingly popular recreational activity—stand-up paddleboarding.
Presented by title sponsor Pihl Law, the new event is called Pihl Law Paddle for Prevention, meant to appeal to families, individuals and youth.
It takes place Sunday, Aug. 9, at Rotary Beach on Lakeshore Road in Kelowna.
A new website has been developed: paddleforprevention.com.
Event gold sponsors are Telus, Costco, Peacock Sheridan and Harmony Honda, along with media sponsors , Kelowna Capital News, Global Okanagan, SHAW, Castanet, The Daily Courier and EZ Rock/SUN FM/AM 1150.
This year’s fundraising goal is $50,000, with all proceeds going to support brain injury education and prevention in the Okanagan.
The event will include a series of relays for individuals, families and corporate teams of four, as well as a finless race and a technical race for those more skilled.
Stand up paddleboard expert Bob Purdy, known for paddleboarding daily since 2011 to promote his cause Paddle for the Planet, will be a consultant to BrainTrust for this fundraising event.
It will strive to be as environmentally friendly as possible, with refillable water bottles and water stations provided by Okanapure.
There will be categories for individuals as well as teams of four: registration is $30 per single adult and $100 per team.
Registration includes a logo’d bag and visor, hot barbecue lunch hosted by Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Club and Kelowna Rotaract with food supplied by Costco, as well as the use of a paddleboard and PFD from Okanagan Beach Rentals.
As well, all adult participants will be entered for a chance to win a SUP ATX Paddleboard package courtesy of Okanagan Beach Rentals and LakeSUP Paddleboard Co.
Youth participants are eligible to win a prize package courtesy of the Kelowna Rockets WHL hockey team.
There are also significant fundraising incentive prizes at various levels from Costco and the Kelowna Paddle Centre, and a chance to win one round trip for two to any scheduled WestJet destination for those participants who raise $500 or more.
While you don’t have to be overly experienced to participate, to assist people to learn the sport the Kelowna Paddle Centre is also offering a special $20 one-hour discounted stand up paddleboard lesson to registrants.