FAQs

Kayak for a Cure™ benefiting the American and Canadian Cancer Societies, respectively will take place throughout the year. The American and Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.

When are the annual Kayak for a Cure™ events?
Check out our ‘Join a 2009 Event’ Page on the homepage navigation to find out when an event near you is taking place!

I’ve never been in a kayak before. Can I still participate?
Of course! We’ll have several professionally trained kayak guides with us on the water in case you decide to go swimming. It is recommended, however, that you have prior experience. Visit one of your local kayak outfitters if you’re interested in learning to paddle before the event.

Where exactly do we paddle?
Here’s an example route from our Victoria, BC event – you can expect a similar agenda on-water: We launch our boats from Verdier Park between the Brentwood Bay Lodge and Spa and the Brentwood Bay Ferry terminal. We’ll paddle from Brentwood Bay down into Saanich Inlet to a beach across from the McKenzie Bight area and back again, with stops along the way for lunch and leg stretches. Registration is at 8:30am, launch at 9:30am – we arrive back at Verdier park sometime around 3:30pm.

Can I paddle in a double kayak with a friend?
You bet, we’ll cater to your co-dependency! Kidding, but each of you must collect your own donations.

How about weather conditions?
As long as our guides say it’s safe enough to paddle, we are water bound! That said, weather changes at the drop of a dime. Prepare accordingly! Sunscreen, hat, jacket.

What happens after the paddle?

BBQ in the park!
With support from local businesses, KFAC hosts a BBQ for all paddlers and volunteers!

DONATIONS, FUNDRAISING, SPONSORSHIP
Where do the donations go?
To the Canadian Cancer Society, whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life for people living with cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society provides leading financial support for cancer research and delivers community-based support programs and prevention information for all types of cancer. For more information visit www.cancer.ca

Is there a fundraising minimum?
No, but each paddler is asked to try to raise at least $300 for the cause.

I have family and friends who want to sponsor me. How can they make donations?

There are a few ways:
Online through the American or Canadian Cancer Society’s official Kayak For a Cure™ donation page. Go to www.kayakforacure.org and click on your city, then select the paddler you’d like to support.

Are donations tax deductible?
Yes! Just be sure you have your sponsors make their donation cheques out to American Cancer Society or Canadian Cancer Society with Kayak for a Cure™ designated in the memo. The Canadian Cancer Society will provide you with the tax receipt by mail. Note: If some of your sponsors donate cash, be sure to remember who and how much!

My company/business is interested in sponsoring Kayak for a Cure™
We are continually looking for local business/ corporate sponsorship to help make our event the best it can be. Please contact us at mark@kayakforacure.org to let us know how your business would like to help.