THE GRAND PADDLE & HIKE! May 10-12, 2024
CELEBRATING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GRAND PADDLE
Thank you to this year’s sponsors: Peaceworks Technology Solutions, Angela Friesen-Brown Real Estate Broker, Purple Shark Embroidery, Barclay Wholesale, Miller’s Home Hardware Building Centre, Fawcett Tree Removal, MAC LLP, Herrle’s Country Farm Market
The Grand Paddle & Hike is Silver Lake’s only annual fundraiser. As a non-profit organization, our camp depends on fundraisers and donors to thrive! Donations keep camp fees more affordable for families, help Silver Lake invest in all that is needed to create a summer of fun, and make planning for the future possible.
This year’s event will follow a similar format to last year. Teams can choose their own activity (walk/hike/bike/paddle/bike) and participate when it suits best that weekend, or join scheduled group paddles and hikes in the KW region (listed below). We know the spirit and generosity of the Silver Lake community will keep shining!
How to Participate in the Grand Paddle & Hike:
- SET UP YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE: Register and create your page by clicking here! Whether it’s just you or your whole family, create a “team name” that your supporters will recognize. Add a photo to personalize your page! TIP: If you are registering your family, use your Team Name for your Personal Page Name as well. (** Participants will receive a Paddle & Hike souvenir flag – one per team while supplies last! See pic below.)
- COLLECT DONATIONS ONLINE: Send the link for your fundraising page to family and friends and ask them to support you as you raise funds for Silver Lake. There are preset goals for the teams, but just do your very best with the fundraising. It’s amazing to see how generous people are when they know how special Silver Lake is to you!
- HIKE/WALK/RUN/PADDLE: On the May weekend, get outside for some exercise and fresh air in your own neighbourhood or community. Or join other Silver Lakers at a group paddle or hike. Scroll down for locations.
- SHARE: Please take photos of yourself or family (with the souvenir flag!) participating in this fundraiser and send to fun@slmc.ca. Watch for team/participant photos to be posted on Facebook and Instagram!
Please also plan to join us for the SLMC Annual Meeting which will take place on Zoom on Saturday, May 11 at 11:30am. Click here for meeting link.
Grand Paddle Group Event Locations and Times:
There is no obligation to attend these events! Come if you can!
All events begin at 2pm on Saturday May 11!
- Sauble Beach Fun Run at Silver Lake. Meet at 72 Pine Forest Drive. Look for Shanah Hofer at the gate.
- Conestogo Paddle: Canoe, kayak or SUP the Grand (Bring your own watercraft – approx. 2 hours). Meet by 39 Golf Course Road Grand River Access Point #7. Look for Jessa Braun. You can end your paddle wherever is convenient for you. Jessa will be paddling to Joe Thompson Park on Bridge Street. See this video for details. Email media@slmc.ca if you have any questions.
- Toronto Walk Rouge Valley Conservation Centre. Meet at 1749 Meadowvale Road. Look for Christina Reimer
- Hamilton Walk on local trails. Meet at Hamilton Mennonite Church 143 Lower Horning Rd, Hamilton, ON L8S 3G8. Look for Melanie Froese and Susan Dueckman
- Kitchener Walk (Rockway Garden & Iron Horse Trail) – Meet at 625 Rockway Drive, Rockway Golf Course parking lot. Look for Karen Cornies
- Mystery Hike – This hike will be about a 1.5-hour drive from KW and will last ~ 4 hrs (leisurely 8 km), starting at 10:00 am. RSVP to Karen B. at hr@slmc.ca if you are coming and where you are coming from. You will be emailed the meetup point. The hike is easy on flat terrain and will have picnic tables and washrooms.
- Kitchener/Waterloo Bike Meet at 625 Rockway Drive, Rockway Golf Course parking lot. Look for Ron Cornies. 2 City Cafe locations en route so bring some cash for a treat!
- DOG WALK! Bring your dog to Snyder’s Flats just outside of Waterloo. (You can even register them to the official Grand Paddle dog team!) 1494 Snyders Flats Rd, Bloomingdale, ON. Look for Erin Braun in the main parking lot.
** If you want to organize a group hike/walk in your own area, let us know and we will add it to this list!
2023 Fundraiser
