Project Canoe announces new Partnership with Algonquin Basecamp

Project Canoe officially announces partnership with Algonquin Basecamp for new base of operations It is with great excitement that Project Canoe announces a new partnership with Algonquin Basecamp.

Algonquin Basecamp, located in Kearney, Ontario, will serve as Project Canoe’s new base of operations in Northern Ontario for the 2015 season and beyond.

As a result of planning changes in the Ontario government, Project Canoe recently ended its 15+ year association with the Briggs base camp in Temagami, Ontario. Following an exhaustive search, Algonquin Basecamp and Project Canoe have agreed to team up to serve youth who are facing barriers and help them achieve success in their lives. This new partnership gives Project Canoe’s youth access to the awe-inspiring lake network of Algonquin Park, and is in closer proximity to where most of the youth live.

Project Canoe (www.canoe.org) uses the outdoors, including wilderness canoeing; to create a transformative environment in which young people develop life skills, social competencies, and resiliency, thereby fostering their own personal success. We partner with our youth, supporting them as they carry these skills and successes forward to manage the complex challenges of their lives.

Algonquin Basecamp (http://algonquinbasecamp.ca) provides complete or partial outfitting services and are known by their tagline as the “Your Adventure Starts Here Headquarters!” The camp is located directly en route to Tim Lake (access #2), Magnetawan Lake (access #3), and Rain Lake (access #4), and is only 15 minutes from Highway 60.

For more information please contact info@canoe.org.

 

Project Canoe Art Show

Please help Support Project Canoe by purchasing some art for your wall at the Canoe Art show put on by Brigitte Nowak and Latitude 44 Art Gallery. Partial proceeds from this event are being directly donated to Project Canoe to support our fantastic programs. Check out the news story in Inside Toronto here. Show details: October 16- November 13th Opening night October 23rd 6pm-9pm

Address: Latitude 44 Gallery 2900 Dundas St W, Toronto,

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Run with Project Canoe

Be a Proud Supporter by running with us in the 2014 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon/Half Marathon & 5K Charity Challenge! 

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Project Canoe uses the outdoors, including wilderness canoeing, to create a transformative environment in which young people develop life skills, social competencies, and resiliency, thereby fostering their own personal success.

Please join the Project Canoe Team on October 19, 2014 to raise funds for our innovative programs. Run 5km, 21km or 42km to give youth who face a variety of barriers a chance for a successful future.

Over Project Canoe’s 37 year history we have helped over 3,000 youth and directed them on a path of personal success and achievement.

Please help us continue this important work. Become a member of the our team and commit to fundraising for Project Canoe and we will pay your entry fee.

Register today! The sooner you register the more time you will have to set up your personal fundraising page and start training for a fun and successful race.

How to Register and Fundraise for Project Canoe:

Click here to register for the STWM!

  • Contact info@canoe.org to receive the charity PIN code (you will require this later).
  • Follow the above link to register for the marathon, half-marathon or 5K race (If you've already registered, create a fundraising account by follow the second link on the STWM registration page).
  • Select “Project Canoe” as your charity from the drop-down menu in the “Scotiabank Charity Challenge” section of the registration page.
  • Insert the Project Canoe charity PIN Code to receive your registration free of charge (please contact info@canoe.org to receive the pin code, if you haven't done so already)
  • Once you have received a confirmation email, follow the link to create your personal fundraising page for Project Canoe ( second link on the STWM registration page).

Contact Project Canoe at info@canoe.org  or 416-778-4311 if you have any questions.

You can also help support our runners by making a donation - click here.

We're Hiring - Program Leaders

Program Leader - Summer 2014

JOB SUMMARY

Program Leaders are responsible for planning, packing and leading urban and retreat weekends and trips for Project Canoe’s youth in Toronto and Northern, Ontario.  Each urban activity is comprised of 4 staff members and 8 youth participants. Our retreat weekends will have 6 staff and 10 youth. Leaders are provided with information regarding the youth prior to each excursion. Leaders are responsible for engaging and supporting the youth and making appropriate safety and leadership decisions regarding the trip/excursion.  At all points of the trip the Program Leaders must maintain a youth-focused approach and keep emotional and physical safety of the youth as their primary concern. Program Leaders are also responsible for all equipment and completing all documentation required by Project Canoe.  Program Leaders are expected to follow Project Canoe’s philosophy for working with our youth and adhere to all policies and procedures.  Program Leaders will also have training, maintenance, and clerical responsibilities (see below).

This position is funded by the Service Canada – Canada Summer Jobs program.  Therefore, in order to be eligible for this position, applicants must meet all of the criteria listed below.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment
  • Was registered as a full-time student during the preceding academic year;
  • Intends to return to school on a full-time basis during the next academic year;
  • Student in a secondary, post-secondary, CEGEP (Quebec only), vocational or technical program;
  • Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and;
  • Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial /territorial legislation and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

  • 2+ seasons of experience working with our youth population or 4+ seasons working with youth
  • Bronze Cross (NLS preferred)
  • Standard First Aid with CPR
  • Must be comfortable in a collaborative working environment
  • Exemplifies such qualities: social justice and environmental responsibility, self-awareness, safety awareness, passion for continuous learning and mentorship
  • Experience leading outdoor education programming
  • ORKA Canoe and Kayak certification or equivalent experience

Requirements

  • Criminal reference check (vulnerable sector) within 6 months of employment start date
  • Signed medical examination within one year of employment start date, certifying fitness for job duties
  • Copies of certifications (must be current)
  • Minimum 3 references, two of which must be related to working with youth
  • Must be comfortable in a collaborative staff working structure

A Note About Accommodations - When not on an overnight excursion, staff will be required to find their own accommodation in the city of Toronto or the GTA.

How to Apply:

Ensure that you have reviewed the detailed Program Leader Position Overview and Program Leader Posting 2014 forms are available here.

Submit cover letter and resume to Elisa at: elisa@canoe.org referencing "Program Leader - Summer 2014" in subject line.

Questions/concerns can also be directed to Elisa via email or phone 416.778.4311

Project Canoe would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pub Night Highlights

Pub Night in Support of Project Canoe featuring canoe enthusiast, media personality, and author, Kevin Callan. This years Pub Night took place on May 1st and was hosted and sponsored by the Imperial Pub where Project Canoe raised just over $7000.00!

aIMGP1788This year our guest speaker was Kevin Callan (The Happy Camper), a well known Canadian paddler, author, and wilderness enthusiast who shared anecdotal stories on the magic of the wilderness and the difference it can make in ones life.

aIMGP1708We had a great silent auction, live auction and raffle prizes.

aIMGP1693We want send out a very special thank you to everyone at the Imperial Pub for donating their location, food, time and kind hearts to Project Canoe each year.

aIMGP1865Our intern, Anushka getting some help selling raffle tickets!

aIMGP2071Project Canoe Executive Director, Eric Cartlidge, auctioning off this lovely canoe painting by Brigitte Nowak. Brigitte has graciously donated the above canoe painting as an auction item for our Pub Night.

Brigitte will also be hosting a CANOE art exhibit from October 16 - November 13 at Latitude 44 Gallery and will be donating a portion of the proceeds to Project Canoe.

aIMGP1733Members Dawson Bridger and Kelvin Ewald helped out by selling raffle tickets!

aIMGP1921Keen Canada joined us at the event with 9 of their staff! Thanks Keen for your ongoing support!

aIMGP1903Project Canoe youth, Charles Gordon-Allen giving a wonderful speech regarding his experiences with Project Canoe.

We want to make sure we send out a heartfelt "thank you" to the many wonderful people that made this event possible. Special thank you's go out to the Imperial Pub for generously hosting the event, Keen Canada for their donation and support, Kevin Callan for being our guest speaker, Charles Gordon-Allan for sharing his Project Canoe experiences, Russell Rowlands for volunteering his time to be our photographer, Nina Mueller for being the head of the planning committee, and Tushar Mehta for doing a wonderful job MC-ing the evening.

We also want to thank all of our other volunteers, supporters, program partners, and friends for making this event the successful evening that it was.

Eva's Project Canoe "Bundles"

Over the last few months, since our move to Eva's, we have been busy collaborating with their recreation program to run youth wellness activities! Project Canoe in collaboration with Eva's recreation program, has been working hard to provide monthly "bundles" at all three of Eva's locations. This program is provided to compliment Eva's recreation program and independent living skills program (at Eva's Phoenix)

Bundles are a monthly holistic program focusing on three components of youth wellness. Each bundle has 3 components - physical wellness, mental wellness, and community wellness.

Every month has a different theme, so far the themes have been character, stress management, routine building, and coping.

 

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 What did our youth have to say about these "Bundles"?

"I think it was a great program! They were very knowledgeable and had a lot of information to share. I think everyone of the residents learned a fair amount of info" - Youth comment on  routine building workshop

"Yes, I found it incredibly helpful" Youth comment on routine building workshop

"Really interesting. I learned a lot about myself." - Youth comment on stress management workshop

"I like that everyone is nice and makes me feel comfortable" - Youth comment on character workshop

"Because it helps with physical activity and is super duper fun" - Youth comment for overall "bundle" workshops

Upcoming in April - Focus on coping: making mandalas and dream catchers, visiting local community centre for tour and orientation to programming, strength and cardiovascular training.

Want to stay updated on bundles? Then check out our Eva's Project Canoe page (located under "programs"). The page is updated monthly with the theme and dates/locations. You can also follow up on twitter @ProjectCanoe with #youthwellness to see what we are up to.

 

 

 

Project Canoe's Annual Pub Night

Please join us on Thursday May 1st for Project Canoe's 8th Annual Pub Night Fundraiser Featuring canoe enthusiast, media personality and author, Kevin Callan

Where: The Imperial Pub, 54 Dundas St E, Toronto

When: Thursday May 1st 7:00pm - 9:00pm

How to get tickets: Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

We will be having a silent auction AND raffle prizes!

Follow updates for this event on Twitter @projectcanoe and #PCpubnight.

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Project BackYard March Break Recap

Project BackYard, our year round program is intended to provide youth with fun, educational activities that can be done within their own communities or ‘backyards’. During March break we had two very successful events!

Skate and Celebrate!

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We were joined by youth and staff from Teach 2 Learn. Enjoyed an afternoon of skating (sponsored by MPP Glen Murray), followed by a dinner at the Regent Park Community Centre. The youth had a great time hanging out with friends and taught us to salsa dance! We want to send a special shout out to Susanna from Teach 2 Learn, she was an amazing support and we couldn't have done it without her help at both events! Thank you Susanna!

Healthy Meals at the STOP

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The STOP Community Center hosted youth from Project Canoe and Teach 2 Learn. We had a great time working with community members, youth and staff to make vegan brunch for dinner. Youth had the opportunity to learn new cooking techniques, food preparation skills, and the best of all, eat what they prepared! We want to send a shout out to Kristyn Dunnion from the STOP! She's been wonderfully helpful, accommodating and overall amazing! Thank you Kristyn!

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We also want to thank the MPP Glen Murray, Teach 2 Learn and The STOP Community Food Centre for making these events possible!

Film Festival Update

The Reel Paddling Film Festival kicked off its 2014 world tour here in Toronto on March 4, 2014. The event was hosted by The Complete Paddler at the Royal Cinema in Little Italy. Approximately 200 film enthusiasts attended the event. One hundred percent of the night’s proceeds went directly to Project Canoe! All in all, including the raffle tickets sales and a generous donation from Canoe North Adventures, $1400 were raised. A huge thank you goes out to The Complete Paddler, Canoe North Adventures, our volunteers for the evening, and all the attendees! Thank you all for your ongoing support!

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Please also see what the complete paddler's review of the Film Festival.

Reel Paddling Film Festival Premier

Reel Paddling Film Festival Premier The Reel Paddling Film Festival kicks off its 2014 world tour here in Toronto on March 4, 2014.

Rapid Media’s 9th annual Reel Paddling Film Festival showcases some of the best paddling films in the world. This international competition begins in Toronto, ON, hosted by The Complete Paddler, before beginning its year-long tour across the globe and screening to over 30,000 outdoor enthusiasts and their families. The festival recognizes the best paddling films in a series of categories like, best white water kayaking film, best canoeing film, best fishing film etc. It aims to inspire more people to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push physical and emotional extremes, embrace the lifestyle and appreciate the heritage of the wild places we paddle.

On Tuesday, March, 4th, 2014 The Complete Paddler will be hosting the premier at the Royal Cinema in Little Italy. Doors will open at 6:30 PM for a 7:00 PM start.

One hundred percent of the night’s proceeds will be going directly to Project Canoe! We will be present at the event to promote and educate patrons on the long running program.

To add even more excitement to the event; thanks to the tremendous generosity of some of The Complete Paddler's top manufacturers, there will be a number of door prizes to be won as well as two “Hot Ticket” prizes. Everyone who attends will be entered into the draw for the Door Prizes and Hot Tickets will be sold separately for $2.00/ea or $5.00 for 3.

Tickets: $12/Advance or $15/door Advance tickets can be purchased at The Complete Paddler over the phone 416 255 6905 or online

RSVP to the facebook event here

For more information on:

Project Canoe: www.canoe.org

The Complete Paddler: www.completepaddler.ca

The Reel Paddling Film Festival: www.reelpaddlingfilmfestival.com

Contact: The Complete Paddler - 416 255 6905 or kelly@completepaddler.ca

New Address for Project Canoe

As some of you already know, we moved to a new location near the end of December.

We are still trying to get settled in our new office and are still having some phone and printing issues. Thank you for your patience while we work on getting this all sorted out. Be sure to check back frequently for updates.

Please send all mail to the following address: Project Canoe c/o Eva’s Initiatives 11 Ordnance Street, Toronto ON M6K1A1

Our phone number will remain the same 416.778.4311

Please make sure you update your records.

Stay connected: facebook / twitter

You're Invited PC Holiday Party

Come Celebrate with Project Canoe

Thursday December 12, 2013  at 7:00pm

The Imperial Pub (54 Dundas St E)

This will be a great opportunity to come celebrate the year we’ve just had, reunite with old friends, meet past and present staff, and just have a great time!

RSVP via our facebook event to let us know if you will be attending. We have been asking for your help this holiday season to raise funds toward new canoes. We are specifically looking for approximately 10 to 12 new canoes. We realize this is a big task, so as this funding push hits the mid point, to help keep the momentum going and the donations flowing, we invite you to our PC holiday party at the Imperial Pub.

Click to download the invitation PCHolidayInvite

Stay connected: facebook / twitter

Pub Night Update

This years Pub Night took place on Oct 15th and was hosted and sponsored by the Imperial Pub where Project Canoe raised $6000.00! First of all we need to start with a huge THANK YOU to everyone who contributed and attended to this event. Our Pub Night would not have been possible without some of these kind hearted individuals who gave so much to make it a great night for everyone!

We want send out a very special thank you to everyone at the Imperial Pub for donating their location, food, time and kind hearts to Project Canoe each year.

Additionally, our deepest thank our keynote speakers Mark Oldershaw, Olivier Adrian, and Andrew Fortis for sharing their inspirational stories with us.

Last but not least, we want to send out a special thank you to one volunteer who helped pull this whole thing together, Nina Joy Mueller.

Nina first got involved with Project Canoe through her friend (who was the Program Director at the time) when she was looking for an event to work on. She was on the planning committee for the Pub Night event last year. This year she took on the more challenging role of Event Chair. Nina found this role challenging this year as the committee for this event was much smaller. She became the main contact person for the event and coordinated,  managed and executed the event flawlessly. Thanks to Nina, everyone really enjoyed themselves and we were able to raise considerable funds for Project Canoe. Nina is planning to continue to volunteer for PC and will be joining the Fund Development Committee this year.

Nina and the Project Canoe Team are all in agreement, the event was very successful and a lot of fun. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to all of our supporters!

Help Us Fund 10 New Canoes

A Holiday Funding Drive for Canoes! We need your help this holiday season. After a fun filled summer of paddling in the Temagami area with 120 plus youth, our canoes have seen better days. We are launching this holiday campaign to raise funds toward new canoes. New canoes mean that we can ensure our youth continue to have  life-changing experiences out on the water!

As a Project Canoe supporter, you know the power of the outdoors. You know about the transformation that can happen in a young person’s life when they are given the opportunity to clear their minds, learn and practice new skills, and experience something many youth take for granted. So help us continue to do this by contributing to our holiday funding campaign.

There are multiple ways to donate!

Online - Through Canada Helps (click link below to donate right away!)

By cheque - Address to Project Canoe and mail to the following address: Project Canoe Centre for Social Innovation, Regent Park 585 Dundas Street East, 3rd Floor Toronto, ON M5A 2B7

For other donation options please see our donation page.

Feel free to download the Project Canoe Brochure for more information and pass to pass along to the message.

Come CELEBRATE with us! Dec 12th, 2013 starting at 7pm

As this holiday funding push comes to an end we want you to come celebrate with Project Canoe at the Imperial Pub (54 Dundas St E, Toronto). This will be a great opportunity to just come celebrate the year we've had, reunite with old friends, meet past and present staff, and just have a great time!

Stay connected: facebook / twitter

Project CANOE's Annual Pub Night Fundraiser

Please join us on Tuesday October 15th for the Project Canoe Annual Pub Night Fundraiser Where: The Imperial Pub, 54 Dundas St E, Toronto

When: Tuesday October 15th 7:00pm - 9:00pm

How to get tickets: Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Tickets are online available through Eventbrite at http://pcpubnight2013.eventbrite.ca To hold a ticket at the door, please RSVP to info@canoe.org.

There will be some amazing silent auction items so please bring your cheque books and credit cards and help support getting youth that are facing a variety of barriers out on a canoe trip next summer.

See you there.

Run a Marathon (full, half, or 5k) for Project Canoe

Interested in having some fun this Fall while getting in shape? Once again Project Canoe is an official charity of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday, October 20th. You can support us in two ways: Join our team! You can walk or run the 5k, or run the half or full-marathon. If you join Team Project Canoe, we’ll cover your entry fee if you commit to helping us fundraise for our important programs. Contact info@canoe.org if you want more information or help getting signed up. Click here to register for the marathon, half, or 5k!

Sponsor our team! Click here to provide an online, secure donation. 100% of the donation goes to Project Canoe with no processing fees (and you get a tax receipt for your donation of any amount).

Once again, contact info@canoe.org and we’ll send you the sign-up instructions with a special discount code to cover your registration costs for joining or team and helping us raise funds.

CANCELLED August 3rd Safety Pool Session

August 3rd Pool Session has been CANCELLED.

Those still requiring swim assessments can complete them through a swim form (provided by Project Canoe) at their local pool.

Please contact our office at 416-778-4311 or email us at info@canoe.org for further details and any other questions you may have.

Thank you,

The Project Canoe Team

**CANCELLED**

Our next (and last) pool session of the summer is Saturday Aug 3rd!

August 3rd, 2013 3:00pm – 5:00 pm*

At 340 Sentinel Rd,

North York, ON

M3J 1T9

TTC: Travel to Downsview Station. Board the 106 York University and travel to Hucknall N. Arrive at 340 Sentinel Rd.

This is a mandatory part of our application process. If you have any questions please call us at 416-778-4311

*Only those registered welcome to attend due to limited space.