Kayaking for Cancer tops $1M raised after 26 years on the Rideau Canal

Spirits were high as the Kayaking for Cancer team paddled into Newboro during their 26th annual journey along the Rideau Canal, proudly announcing a milestone that has been more than a quarter-century in the making. The dedicated group of 19 paddlers, organizers, and ground crew confirmed they have officially surpassed $1 million raised for the Canadian Cancer Society, with the total continuing to climb as this year’s paddle was still underway as of Day 4 of their journey.

The achievement marks a powerful moment for the volunteer-driven initiative, which began with a single idea from founder Kevin Dionne. At just 29 years old, Kevin set out to make a difference after his mother faced her second battle with cancer. He recalls at age seven, feeling helpless when she was first diagnosed, but by 29, he knew he could do something meaningful. His vision grew into a community movement that has now spanned decades, inspired thousands, and contributed significantly to cancer research and support.

Each August, the Kayaking for Cancer team paddles the full 202-kilometre length of the Rideau Canal over eight days, raising funds and awareness along the way. Beginning in Kingston, the route symbolizes the location of Kingston General Hospital, where his mother was receiving treatment and connects to Ottawa, where his father-in-law was receiving treatment at the Ottawa Hospital.

Their arrival in Newboro this year carried extra emotion and pride as they celebrated reaching the goal of hitting the million-dollar mark, after falling just shy last year in their 25th year. As the kayakers paused at the Newboro Locks for lunch and a well-deserved break after paddling 4 1/2 hours on the morning of Aug. 10, the sense of accomplishment was shared among the paddlers and the dedicated ground crew who support them every stroke of the way. Among them was Mike Seguire, affectionately known as Uncle Mike, who has spent many years on the water with the team before transitioning to ground support this year.

Standing proudly beside the group, Mike reflected on past paddles and the friendships that have grown into family over the years. He spoke with particular pride about the Dionne family, calling them “the heart of the team.” Mike beamed as he pointed out his granddaughter, now in her second year as a paddler. Last year, she completed the full eight-day trek with no prior kayaking experience, and this year she returned with the determination of someone deeply committed to the cause. Despite hours of paddling each day, she offered no complaints about blisters or fatigue, only a cheerful resolve to help make a difference.

Mike also emphasized an important point that defines the integrity of the fundraiser: every dollar donated goes directly to the Canadian Cancer Society. “All costs, the ground truck rental, camping fees, food, everything, are covered by participant fees and generous sponsors,” he explained. “That’s something we’re really proud of.”

One of those sponsors is Travis Vandentilliart, who provided the lunch for the team at the Newboro Locks. Founder Kevin Dionne, a teacher, shared that Vandentilliart was once his student and, at age 15, became the youngest paddler to join the Kayaking for Cancer team back in 2001, paddling in honour of a family member. Now a corporate sponsor, he continues to support the cause that shaped him as a youth.

The Newboro stop also welcomed Bob Forward, age 72, who participated in earlier paddles and began this year’s journey along the Rideau Canal, but decided to pull out and support the ground crew for a couple of days due to a sudden headache, with the hopes of rejoining the paddlers on the water Thursday from Merrickville onward. His loyal dog Pepper, a familiar companion on past paddles, stayed by his side, both in the water and on land. Bob described the group as “a great group of people and all like family.”

Like many on the team, Bob has been personally touched by cancer and shared his loved one’s story. He also recalled a moment from a past paddle when a family stood on an island property and waved the kayakers down to offer a donation and express their gratitude. They invited the team to meet their grandson, who was undergoing treatment at CHEO. “Those moments stay with you,” Bob said. “You don’t forget the people you’re helping.”

While many donations come through the online portal promoted on the Kayaking for Cancer website (https://kayakingforcancer.com/), the team also displays a QR code on the side of their support boat, prompting those passing by to contribute. The boat remains close by to the paddlers throughout the journey, providing water, snacks, and emergency assistance if needed.

Kevin’s siblings continue to play vital roles in the annual event. His sister Terrie made the trip, travelling from British Columbia to paddle for many years, and now having moved to Kingston can join the group more easily. Terrie noted that the Rideau Lakes section has been especially pleasant thus far, thanks to favourable winds and lighter boat traffic. When asked about the endurance required for the eight-day journey, she smiled and said it comes down to “stubbornness and remembering why we’re doing this.”

His brother Kurt travelled from London, Ontario, as he has several times, previously joining the paddlers and now to manage administrative logistics, supporting both his siblings and the many participants who paddle in honour of loved ones affected by cancer.

Together, the family’s dedication reflects the compassion that drives the entire effort. That same compassion is evident in every conversation with Kevin and in every kilometre he has paddled. By the end of this year’s trek, he will have paddled over 5,000 kilometres and spent more than 200 days on the water since the journey began, back in 2001, all “to show those with cancer we care and to never forget those we have lost.”

During the interview, Kevin reflected on being seven years old and watching Terry Fox run through Brockville, a moment that shaped his understanding of courage and purpose. Now at 55, Kevin may not fully recognize that he has become a hero in his own right.

Kayaking for Cancer is now one of the larger and longest-lasting third-party fundraising organizations in Canada for the Canadian Cancer Society, a testament to the dedication of Kevin, his family, the paddlers, the ground crew, the lunch team, sponsors, and the thousands of donors who have supported the cause over the years. With more than $1 million raised, the impact of their efforts is undeniable.

And yet, Kevin says the mission continues. “How do you stop,” he asks, “when you know there is still someone battling cancer? How do you stop?”

As the Kayaking for Cancer team comes to the end of their 26th annual journey along the Rideau Canal, their message to the community is simple: there is still time to make a difference. With the million-dollar milestone now reached, and donations still climbing, the paddlers, ground crew, and organizers hope this achievement inspires even more people to get involved.

Whether through a donation, a sponsorship, or by joining the team on the water next year, every act of support strengthens their mission. The group encourages residents across the Rideau Lakes region and beyond to follow their progress in future years, using the route map posted on their website, and to come out to cheer them on at local lock stations and shoreline stops. Those moments of encouragement would surely fuel tired arms and lift spirits during the long eight-day trek.

For anyone considering paddling next year, the team welcomes newcomers with open arms, from seasoned kayakers to first-timers who want to help. Sponsors, too, play a vital role in ensuring that 100 per cent of all donations go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society. And for those who cannot paddle or sponsor, a contribution through the online donation portal can still make a profound impact.

Kayaking for Cancer is built on compassion, determination, and the belief that ordinary people can make a difference when they paddle together for a cause. As founder Kevin Dionne reminds us, the mission continues as long as cancer continues. And with every stroke and every dollar raised, the team moves closer to a future where more families are helped through research and medical assistance.

To support the paddlers, follow their route, or donate, visit KayakingForCancer.com and help keep the momentum going.