The annual Mountain Equipment Co-op Paddlefest (Vancouver, BC) showcased over 400 kayakers who got on the water to demo new boats, improve their skills and use new paddling products.  In addition, the event featured presentation and promotional booths from paddling manufacturers and distributors.

MEC also held the 2nd annual charity BBQ at the event in partnership with Kayak for a Cure and M&M Meats.  Our team had a fantastic time working with Greg and team over at M&M while getting burgers, hotdogs and water in the hands of the hungry paddlers attending the MEC event.  The Kayak for a Cure volunteer team plans to use the proceeds raised at the event to fund the annual Vancouver charity paddle, Kayak for a Cure IV on August 30th, 2009.

To learn more or register to participate, visit www.kayakforacure.org or call +1 (604) 561-3494.

Mountain Equipment Co-op’s first annual Sweet Spots Outdoor Video Contest. Here is a collection of their favourite clips from the many hours of 2008

Find boats, clothing and gear at www.mec.ca.  Everything for quiet coves or raging rivers.

During our annual staff meetup here in Vancouver, BC, we launched one of many 2009 Kayak for a Cure™ charity promotional vids which you’ll start to see hitting the blogosphere/web/twitter/facebook over the next few months leading up to 2009 events.

If you’re saying to yourself, ‘this Kayak for a Cure™ stuff looks cool, but what’s an event actually feel like?  How cool are these people and will I have an absolute blast while giving back to my community and cancer society?’ then you need to check out this video!

We’d love to hear from you! Leave your feedback, register for the event nearest you, or inspire someone to join you in your fundraising initiatives!  No matter how involved you get with Kayak for a Cure™, the experience will be EPIC!

Sun Squads
Roaming teams of Canadian Cancer Society volunteers help make it easier for you and your family to always use your Sun Sense with free sun safety information and sunscreen samples.  To inquire about locations or request a Sun Squad for your outdoor event, contact our Health Promotion Coordinator at 604.215.5468.

Why avoid excessive exposure to UV rays?

No one is completely safe from the sun. In Canada, sunlight is strong enough to cause skin cancer and premature aging of the skin & skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Canada. The risk of skin cancer today is much greater than it was 20 years ago and continues to increase. When it comes to skin cancer, early detection is key to prevention and treatment.

Most people don’t stay indoors when the sun is out. So when you’re outside using a little Sunsense can protect you and your family. The Canadian Cancer Society encourages all Canadians to reduce their sun exposure between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm and when you are outside, seek or create your own shade; slip on clothing that covers your arms and legs; slap on a wide-brimmed hat  and slop on sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.  Sunlight is important for a person’s health, but you don’t need a tan to reap the benefits. A little sun goes a very long way.

Kayak for a Cure™  is proud to announce the first annual Kayak for a Cure™ San Francisco!  Stay tuned at www.kayakforacure.org.

Hope Floats in San Fran 2009!

Kayak for a Cure™ San Francisco

Kayakers looking to participate in the annual Kayak for a Cure™ signature event in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia can now register by clicking here.

Kayak for a Cure™ IV will take place in Vancouver on August 30th, 2009 benefitting the Canadian Cancer Society

Cyrus Irani | Kayak for a Cure Participant 2006, 2007, 2008

Kayak for a Cure™ III (2008)

Kayak for a Cure in the Vancouver Sun 2008

 

Kayak cancer fundraiser grows

Vancouver Sun

Published: Thursday, July 31, 2008

Kayakers who want to help find a cure for cancer are preparing for their third annual fundraising paddle Aug. 17 at English Bay.

This year, Kayak for a Cure™ has set its goal for $50,000 and expanded its scope to include events in Victoria, as well as Columbus, Ohio.

“This year’s event will be the largest in our short history. We have grown from our first year with 15 paddlers to a multi-city event,” founder Mark Starkey said in a news release.

Starkey founded Kayak for a Cure™ after learning 3 1/2 years ago that his grandmother had been diagnosed with a form of leukemia.

Learn more or join us at www.kayakforacure.org