Fundraising and Giving Back
- Don Urquhart – 2019 Solo OC1 Georgia Strait 73K Crossing
- Don Urquhart – 2017 Solo OC1 Georgia Strait Crossing
- Kids Safe Project
- Take a Hike Foundation
- Mount Pleasant House Vancouver East Side
Don Urquhart – 2019 Solo OC1 Georgia Strait 73K Crossing
(In May of 2017 I successfully paddled my outrigger canoe – OC1 – 61 kilometers from Nanaimo to Vancouver in 8 hours and 19 minutes and raised $3,345.00 for Charles Dickens Elementary School. The adventure also included a very important message to the students of Charles Dickens on how setting goals and stepping outside our comfort zones can be a positive life changing journey for our lives and others we inspire along the way).
The fundraiser was a great success and this is why I have taken on another challenge for Take A Hike Foundation. In May of 2019 I will attempt to paddle my OC1 outrigger canoe 73 kilometers (45 miles) from Nanoose Bay, Vancouver Island to Vancouver in 10 hours or less. This will be the longest and most challenging distance I have aver attempted on my OC1 outrigger canoe. My commitment to take on this adventure will involve 6 months of ocean and land training in all types of weather.
My goal is to raise funds for Take A Hike Foundation and to inspire others along the way. I have been a supporter of Take A Hike Foundation since 2016 and I am a strong believer in their philosophy that utilizes the outdoors and adventure to engage vulnerable youth in school, community and mental health supports.
Don,
Thank you seems to be limited for what you have done – what an accomplishment!!! I can remember a few years back when we sat down and discussed this idea. Thanks for your continued support of our team and especially of our students.
Deb Alma-Sluggett (Director of Philanthropy – Take A Hike Foundation)
June 1st 2019 I successfully solo paddled my OC1 76 Kilometers across the Georgia Strait in 10 hours 58 minutes
The 2019 Solo OC1 Georgia Strait Crossing fundraiser was a challenge and a distance that at times would wake me out of a deep sleep at night. After months of training I chose June 1st to cross the 73 kilometers (45 miles) of open ocean from Nanoose Bay Vancouver Island to False Creek (Vanier Park) Vancouver. I set my course and departed from Nanoose Bay at 6:00 am to sync my journey with the tides and marine weather. The marine weather did not cooperate and I was paddling into a sizable south east swell and wind for the first 35 kilometers (22 miles). This lowered my average speed and took a lot out of me but I successfully crossed the Strait in 10 hours and 58 minutes. The fundraiser was a wonderful success and a total of $6000 was raised for Take A Hike Foundation. I would like to thank everyone who followed the event and donated. Your donations and support truly made and makes a difference to the students of Take A Hike Foundation.
Don Urquhart – 2017 Solo OC1 Georgia Strait Crossing
On May 25th I solo open ocean OC 1 (outrigger) paddled 38 miles from Nanaimo to Vancouver in 8 hours to raise money for education and inspire the students of Charles Dickens Elementary School.
The event involved me speaking to the students of Charles Dickens Elementary School on how goal setting, adventure and stepping outside our comfort zone can be a positive life changing journey for our lives. The fundraising campaign was a success and a total of $3,343.00 was raised for education (100 percent of all donations went to Charles Dickens Elementary School).
The crossing was a great success that involved 6 months of preparation and training. The students and staff were able to follow me via satellite communication throughout the day. For more information on this event you may go to my Facebook Page Don Urquhart – 2017 Solo OC1 Georgia Strait Crossing.
The Kids Safe Project
As a husband and a father I strongly believe in community and a safe environment for our children. The Kids Safe Project provides nurturing and safe havens for vulnerable inner city children when schools are traditionally closed.
I am committed to donating to The Kids Safe Project.
To learn more please click on the link: http://www.kidsafe.ca/
Two videos that speak to the need for and impact of Kids Safe programs:
Take a Hike
Youth at Risk Foundation
Having the opportunity to travel the world with my sports has had a long lasting positive impact on my life. I was able to work with many different cultures and individuals from all backgrounds. I learned that education through outdoor adventure can have a positive effect that transcends in all areas of our lives.
This is why I commit to donating to the Take a Hike Foundation.
To learn more please click on the link: http://www.takeahikefoundation.org/en/program/about
Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House – Vancouver East Side
I believe it is important to give back to our communities and to those who work hard for others in need. This is why I regularly donate sporting equipment to the kids programs at the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House in Vancouver.
