Community raises $75,000 for PADDLE Program at final ‘Up the Creek’ event

Sunshine, dragon boats, and community spirit came together on June 20 as North Bay residents raised $75,000 during the final edition of ‘Up the Creek Without a PADDLE,’ supporting local adults with developmental disabilities.

‘Up the Creek Without a PADDLE,’ a beloved North Bay tradition, concluded its final chapter by raising an impressive $75,000 to benefit The PADDLE Program and its mission of empowering adults with complex needs.

With sunshine overhead and cheers ringing across Trout Lake, the community came together on Friday, June 20, for the final edition of Up the Creek Without a PADDLE in support of The PADDLE (Providing Adults with Developmental Disabilities Lifelong Experiences) Program.

This one-of-a-kind fundraiser, hosted at Olmstead Beach, once again brought teams of local business leaders and community champions to the waters of Trout Lake —without paddles. Stranded in dragon boats just off the shore, participants had to raise donations from friends, family, and colleagues to earn back their paddles and make their way back to dry land.

“Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the community, this year’s event raised $75,000 in support of The PADDLE Program, a North Bay-based nonprofit that empowers adults with complex developmental disabilities through education, wellness, and community engagement,” says a news release.

PADDLE Executive Director, Megan Johnson, reflected on the impact of the day: “This event has been such a joyful expression of what makes our community special—courage, creativity, and compassion. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who paddled, pledged, and cheered us on. Your support enables us to continue to deliver vital programming and support for adults with developmental disabilities and their families.”

The top fundraisers were Steven and Adam Venasse of Venasse Building Group.

“The outpouring of support from friends, colleagues, and businesses speaks volumes about the kind of community we live in and the important role the PADDLE Program plays within it,” said Steven Venasse, President of Venasse Building Group. “I’ve seen firsthand how the PADDLE program benefits the lives of its participants and their families, so we’re pleased to be able to contribute to the program to further its community impact.”

Other participants included Chris Winrow of Assante 101 McIntyre, Kim Venasse of Canadore College, Tracy Simpson, PADDLE Board Member, and Megan Johnson, PADDLE Executive Director. All participants received a commemorative paddle manufactured at iCAMP, Canadore College.

Organizers also want to thank the North Bay Canoe Club for their long-standing support of the event and for generously providing the dragon boats and a team to assist participants on the water. Appreciation also goes to Sellebration Productions for its many years of support, providing DJ services for the event, energizing the crowd, and creating a vibrant atmosphere.

While Up the Creek Without a PADDLE may be concluding, the funds raised through the event will continue to positively impact the lives of PADDLE participants well into the future.

To learn more about The PADDLE Program or to continue supporting their work, visit paddlenorthbay.ca.

By BayToday Staff