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.