Kayaking for CARI on Derg

CARI is all too aware of the importance of having the right tools and resources in place when children and families need specialist support.

It is a principle that runs through the charity’s therapeutic work, and one CARI is now bringing to its newest fundraising event.

Ahead of Kayaking for CARI on Saturday, September 5, the charity is delighted to announce that it has secured access to 30 kayaks, along with paddles and buoyancy aids, removing one of the biggest barriers for people who would like to take part but do not own their own equipment.

Participants will take on approximately 20km across Lough Derg, paddling from Garrykennedy Harbour to Ballina/Killaloe in a fun, supported group paddle rather than a race, with planned rest stops and on-water safety support along the route.

Raymond Traynor, Fundraising Co-ordinator with CARI, said: “At CARI, we understand how important it is to have the right tools and resources available when they are needed. When we began promoting Kayaking for CARI, one of the clearest barriers was very simple: lots of people liked the idea of taking part, but they didn’t own a kayak.

“We’re really proud that we’ve now been able to remove that barrier for a large number of people. If you were looking at the event and thinking ‘I’d love to do that, but I don’t have the equipment’, we want you to know that you can still join us.”

Participants are encouraged to bring their own suitable kayak or canoe, paddle and buoyancy aid where possible, but those who require equipment can now request it as part of the registration process. All equipment will be subject to the event’s safety requirements and pre-launch checks.

The development follows the recent launch of Kayaking for CARI at Flanagan’s on the Lake in Ballina/Killaloe, where CARI was joined by supporters including adventure kayaker Johnny Coyne, Andy Meek of ASecure Ltd, Killaloe Councillor Tony O’Brien, Ballina Councillor Phyll Bugler and CARI Chief Executive Clinical Officer Emer O’Neill.

The launch brought together local representatives, businesses, paddlers and supporters ahead of the inaugural event, which CARI hopes can grow into an annual fundraising challenge on Lough Derg.

Kayaking for CARI is open to participants aged 18 and over with previous paddling experience and a reasonable level of fitness. The group is expected to travel at approximately 5km per hour, with rest stops along the route.

Registration costs €50, with participants encouraged to raise €250 in sponsorship for CARI.

Funds raised will support CARI’s specialist services for children, young people and families affected by child sexual abuse and harmful sexual behaviour.

Raymond added:

“This is meant to be an enjoyable challenge that people take on together. You don’t need to be a racing kayaker, and now you don’t need to own a kayak either.

“We would love to hear from individuals, friends, clubs and workplace teams who want to take part. And if kayaking isn’t for you, simply sharing the event with someone who might be interested can make a real difference.”