Lake Ontario Complete.  One down, four to go.

Paul paddled his first Great Lakes solo crossing on 20 August 2010, in his multi-year project to raise money for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.  He left from Niagara-on-the-Lake at 7:32 a.m., and it took him eight hours and 40 minutes to cross Lake Ontario and arrive at Sunnyside Park in Toronto.

A small group of family and friends sent him off on a calm, sunny morning.  His mother even sent hm off with a bag of home-made muffins for the trip.

About the Paddle: 

Paul's Paddle is a multi-year project to paddle across each of the Great Lakes in a kayak to raise money for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, one of Canada's leading charities that helps kids, teens and families lead healthy, active lives.  The campaign raises much-needed financial support for children, teens and families who are unable to afford the full cost of participation in a YMCA program or activity.  The program helps those who need it most to:

• Send a child to day camp for the first time
• Help a struggling teen find a job
• Enable a child to participate in a recreation or fitness activity
• Help a struggling family to use a child care facility
• Give youth the confidence and skills to avoid addiction, violence, and isolation

The Y is one of Canada's oldest and most respected charities, serving 1.8 million people in more than 250 communities.

Please read more about the paddle and give generously to help children, youth and families in your community.

Follow Paul's Paddle on Facebook!

More information:

YMCA Strong Kids website

YMCA Canada website