Paddler’s for Parts Association #1545 Yellowknife, NWT, Canada

Paddler’s President and Founder Greg Loftus, President and active paddler 47 years young. Transplant recipient double kidney 1997/ stroke survivor “Pedal for Parts” 2000 Yellowknife, NWT to Edmonton, AB. “Paddle for Parts” 2001 FT. Providence, NWT to Inuvik, NWT. via the Mackenzie river.

Paddler’s Logo Green ribbon, the color of life used by the Kidney Foundation formed into a kayak paddle our favorite means for propulsion through life. Twin blades represent both donor and recipient and the paddle shaft their permanent connection to life. Twin blades also represent our favorites means of fund raising, canoes and kayaks. Bicycling and hiking are some of our tools as well. When you think of this symbol,you think of us and we are grateful for the thoughts. Organ and Tissue Donation and Life after transplant. With your help all things are possible. Balance in Life.

The Crew That Makes It Work

Paddler’s Mission Statement Promotion of Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness for the benefit of all. Fund-raising for the Kidney Foundation and the Paddler’s Bursary Fund within the Foundation. Promotion of an Active and healthy life style through the paddling sports and other activities. Sponsorship and promotion of local Community activities such as free public swims, winter pool sessions for canoes and kayaks and related activities. Promotion of Donor awareness and availability of Donor cards and related information.

Public Relations and Fund- raising Meet Annemieke our Public Relations person and fund-raiser. Annemieke is a local Yellowknifer that has incredible energy when she decides to support something. The Paddler’s are lucky to have her.

Paddler’s at Work, Fundraising 2001 Greg and Vashti gear up at Ft. Good Hope, NWT. Twelve miles till we cross the Arctic Circle, seven days till Inuvik, NWT. Paddle for Parts 2001 raised over thirteen thousand dollars for the Kidney Foundation. This journey covered 975 miles over a period of twenty-one days. Many thanks to Vashti for her great effort.

Paddle for Parts 2001 Greg and Vashti at Ft.Good Hope Outside the oldest established Church in the NWT. Inside the entire church is a painted mural and is in pristine condition. Worth the trip just to see inside this building.

Working With the Community Greg and Ben discuss membership benefits. Yellowknife River bridge Sociable July 27 th Providing basic Kayak and safety instruction for beginners. Promoting the Paddle sports is part of our mandate.

Paddler’s Success Stories Pedal for Parts 2000 Greg Loftus and Corey Elliot, bicycle Yellowknife to Edmonton in 12 days raising $ Paddle for Parts 2001 Greg Loftus and Vashti Thompson kayak 975 miles of the Mackenzie River raising $13, Kidney Coin Collection We have over a dozen coin collection boxes in place around Yellowknife adding over $1, per annum to the Foundations Coffers. To date we have donated almost $18, to the Kidney Foundation.

Paddler’s Bursary Fund Fund established 2002 within the Kidney Foundation Northern AB and Territories Branch. Educational Bursaries handed out to mature students living with Kidney disease. Nine Bursaries handed out to date and we’re hoping to hand out more. Applications available through Sandra Bell Greg awards first Bursary to Omar in Edmonton, AB

Community Involvement Greg fund-raising at the Big City Garage sale. Waterwalker Film Festival sponsored by Paddler’s three years running. Paddler’s adopt the Old Stope Hill through the Adopt a Street program and are responsible for keeping the area litter free. Paddler’s host two free public swims July/August Paddler’s will host kayak pool sessions every Saturday evening all winter long.

A Word From Our Sponsors Great local support from the YK Direct Charge CO- 0P. Donated all the dry goods for Paddle for Parts Donated all the refreshments for the Waterwalker1and 2. Coin Collection box located in the store.

Canadian North Unwavering Support Canadian North has offered unwavering support to the Paddler’s. Sponsored our return from Inuvik after completing Paddle for Parts Sponsored the Kidney Foundation Public speakers trip to Yellowknife during Waterwalker 1, 2003.

Harley’s Hardrock Saloon.Great support from owners, staff and patrons. Our coin box here is always full. Great contributions from all of Harley’s patrons for each thousand mile trip. We appreciate each and every donation and are grateful for their support.

Whitehorse Paddler’s, Yukon Chapter To your left you will see Laurie Jonasson and the founder of the Whitehorse,Yukon Territory chapter. These folks are our first affiliated chapter and we look forward to working with them