Annual Manulife Paddle the Don Returns for 26th Year of Celebrating Toronto's Iconic Don River
Registration for Paddle the Don is now open at paddlethedon.ca
TORONTO, March 18, 2019 /CNW/ - On Sunday, May 5, 2019, Manulife Paddle the Don will see hundreds of paddlers canoe and kayak the Don River to show their support for the ongoing conservation of one of Toronto's most important watersheds. The event brings conservationists, business people and recreationalists together to raise funds for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) crucial environmental initiatives in the Toronto region. Registration for Manulife Paddle the Don is now open for both members of the public and businesses wishing to participate at paddlethedon.ca.
From Toronto's Ernest Thompson Seton Park to the newly opened Corktown Common, participants will enjoy an authentic paddling experience in the heart of Canada's largest city. The annual event is beloved by paddling enthusiasts and spectators alike, and draws over 700 participants in more than 300 boats, as they paddle a 10.5 kilometre stretch of the river.
"Manulife Paddle the Don offers participants the unique opportunity to discover the Don River's beauty and significance first-hand and gain a greater understanding of why preserving this vital natural resource is so important," said Jennifer Innis, Chair of TRCA's Board of Directors. "The event helps sustain TRCA's conservation work in the Don River watershed, and we are proud of the incredible support this initiative receives from our sponsor Manulife, the business community and the members of the public who come out year after year."
Over its 26-year history, Manulife Paddle the Don has raised over $600,000 to support TRCA's restoration initiatives, which are of environmental benefit to the watershed. The fundraiser also helps TRCA educate and engage the public on the significance of the Don River and other watersheds in the Toronto region. Manulife Paddle the Don is organized in partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Foundation, along with the support of over 200 dedicated volunteers.
The event begins with an opening ceremony at 8:15 a.m. at Ernest Thompson Seton Park and will conclude with a landing party at Toronto's Corktown Common between 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Spectators are invited to safely watch and cheer on the paddler's progress along the route at the following viewing points:
- Overlea Boulevard (Bridge is located east of Millwood Road)
- Leaside Bridge (Millwood Road South)
- Pottery Road (Between Bayview Avenue and Broadview Avenue)
- Bloor Viaduct (Bloor Street just west of Danforth Avenue)
- Queen Street (Between Bayview Avenue and Broadview Avenue)
- Riverdale Park (West of Broadview Avenue between Danforth Avenue and Gerrard Street East)
For more information about this year's event please visit paddlethedon.ca.
SOURCE Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Media Contacts: Jess Harris, Media Relations Specialist, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, 416-274-2036, [email protected]
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