About Kayak for a Cure™

Kayak for a Cure™ started in 2006 when our team lead, Mark, learned of his grandmother’s diagnosis of Mylenoma Leukemia.  Having just moved to Vancouver from Youngstown, Ohio, Mark wanted to start an organization in his grandmother’s honor bringing both his passion of helping others, and his passion for outdoor adventure together.  Kayak for a Cure™ was launched in 2006 and now runs charity kayak events supporting cancer research and prevention for local charities close to our hearts.

The Mission

Kayak for a Cure™ was launched in 2006 by a group of twenty-somethings in Vancouver, BC. Mark Starkey, who spearheaded the mission, had moved to Vancouver from Dayton, Ohio and was looking to start something special. Something that could build community, provide an amazing one-day kayaking experience and raise money for cancer research and prevention. Kayak for a Cure™ is a volunteer-run organization and gives 100% of their proceeds to charities close to their hearts. Each summer, in cities around the United States and Canada, paddlers - both beginners and experienced - climb in to plastic boats and cross waterways, bays, lakes and channels for two reasons: an excuse to have a great day in the outdoors with some amazing people, and to be part of the solution: fund the reasearch that leads to cures for all types of cancers.

Kayak for a Cure™ History

Year one launched on a September morning in 2006 off of Jericho Beach in Vancouver; with 15 paddlers registered, the event raised $1,500 for the Canadian Cancer Society. A local Yaletown Starbucks was on board to supply the breakfast, FCV Technologies donated the website, and Nester’s Market was keen to provide some bbq supplies for the after party. It was a simple event, yet was obvious to everyone touched by it, that it was merely the beginning of something big.

1st Annual Kayak for a Cure Columbus Participants

By year two, there was a team of volunteers eager to both get involved and experience what had been expressed as ‘a highlight of the year’ by those involved the year prior.Brainstorms happened over beers at pubs, plans were made over coffees on the beach, and soon enough Year Two had success written all over it.

With 30 paddlers, including people traveling from New York City, Cincinnati, and Michigan, Kayak for a Cure II raised over $30,000 for the fight against cancer; and made a name for itself in Vancouver.

Sponsors from the previous year, Starbucks, FCV Technologies, and Nester’s Market were on board again; however, this year that wasn’t it. EcoMarine, who had rented the kayaks to the team the year before, were now willing to split the bill, and donate half their kayaks to the team in support of their efforts.

By year III, Kayak for a Cure had a public relations firm on board, Hill & Knowlton, a roster of over 60 paddlers, and two more events started in two other cities – Victoria, BC and Columbus, Ohio. Mark Starkey’s dream of building an organization that would make his grandmother proud, had taken off. $50,000 was raised between the three events.

Kayak for a Cure III (Vancouver, BC) Participants

A feature in the Vancouver Sun and the National Post, the front page of the Vancouver Metro, segments on both CTV and City TV, and mentions in the Georgia Straight and 24 Hours was what came from year III.

So, now what lies ahead for year IV?

This coming August will mark the fourth year of Kayak for a Cure. Again, the organization is growing, and again will be introducing two additional events in two more cities; San Francisco, CA and Mississauga, ON. With a sturdy team of volunteers and a strong following, Kayak for a Cure IV has no doubt they will raise their goal of $80,000 this year for the fight against cancer.

Where does my money go?

So now you’ve raised your goal amount for Kayak for a Cure.  You’ve stalked friends, pestered colleagues, approached people whom otherwise you would never talk to, used facebook, twitter, and every other means you could think of.  You may have even learned a few things… certainly have met a few new people.  Now what?  Where is this hard earned money going…?

Don’t worry, you’re in good hands… we make it easy for you.

Kramer Hoehn at Kayak for a Cure III

100% of your pledge money raised; whether it be from your online Kayak for a Cure profile page, cash or cheque; goes directly to the American and Canadian Cancer Societies, respectively (depending where your event is taking place).

Now, maybe your question is ‘what do the Cancer Societies do with the money?”  Another great question…

Kayak for a Cure has requested that all of the money raised through their events go to one of two different causes, each year alternating between the two.

One year all money raised will go towards the Family Emergency Fund, where families who are struggling with hospital bills, medical bills, and even those who are unable to afford those medications necessary to fight the battle against cancer, will receive financial relief.

On alternating years, the money raised will go towards cancer research initiatives.

We always welcome your thoughts, suggestions, and input.  Feel free to email us at info@kayakforacure.org.