Hopes are riding high in the wake of the 7th edition of the Circuit bleu
On September 13, 2020, before a small group of people, Fondation Charles-Bruneau spokesmen Pierre Bruneau and Paul Doucet announced that this year’s Circuit bleu Charles-Bruneau event raised the sum of $220,000.
Even though Mother Nature gave them all that they could handle, the participants were still beaming with pride upon arriving at the Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville. Over a span of two days, Circuit bleu participants paddled close to 50 km along the shores of the island of Montreal and the Îles de Boucherville in a bid to raise funds for the Fondation Charles-Bruneau.
The last day of the challenge, under a steady downpour, they paddled their hearts out in tribute to Lyanna, Laurent and Noah, the three heroes of the 7th edition, but also for the 2,000 Quebec children living with cancer and their families.
“The COVID crisis is one thing, but you also see gestures of mutual support and goodwill everywhere. In paddling alongside you this weekend, I felt an immense wave of solidarity and the feeling that we’re all still pulling in the same direction towards a childhood without cancer,” said a visibly moved Paul Doucet.
“For the past 30 years, we’ve been advancing the cause of children with cancer with big-hearted, extraordinary people, including researchers, nurses, participants, parents, business people, and people like you. By sharing our commitment to this cause, you play a vital part in supporting our ongoing fight against this disease. Each paddle stroke counts, and every dollar makes a difference,” said Pierre Bruneau during a heartfelt speech.
It’s important to remember that the organizing committee, in order to stage the event amid the COVID-19 crisis, was obliged to completely review the way it was presented and conducted. The number of participants per trek was reduced by half in order to observe physical distancing guidelines. In spite of the difficulties, a friendly atmosphere prevailed throughout the activities surrounding the event, and every step was taken to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
Even during the current pandemic, cancer has not taken a break, unfortunately. Our fight against the disease is ongoing, and each day still, the many children with cancer must summon all the courage they have to wage battle against it, to say nothing of the immense pain felt by parents grieving the loss of a child.
The Fondation Charles-Bruneau thus extends its warm thanks to all the kayakers who answered the call to support families affected by pediatric cancer.
The 2020 Circuit bleu Charles-Bruneau 2020: key figures
- Proceeds raised: $220,000
- The 7th edition presented on September 12 and 13, 2020
- Two kayak treks: Le Classique (50 km in two days) and Le Petit Bleu (13 km in one day)
- 102 participants and seven corporate teams
- Three young heroes: Lyanna (age 5), Laurent (age 12) and Noah (age 17)
- Award: “Événement de pagaie par Excellence” (Paddling event of the year) in 2019, presented by Canot Kayak Québec
- The sum of $250,000 raised by the 2019 Circuit bleu
- More than $1 million remitted to pediatric hematology and oncology research since the event’s inception
Thank you to all those who played a part in the resounding success of the 7th edition of the Circuit bleu.
Thank you to all the partners, volunteers and other stakeholders who were involved in making the 7th edition of the Circuit bleu Charles-Bruneau a great success.
The Fondation Charles-Bruneau wishes to highlight the remarkable generosity of the teams and companies that raised $10,000 or more in support of the event, among them Pelican, Cascades, CEP Forensique, Hamfit and JUMANA.
Throughout the course of the event, the Fondation was also fortunate to count on the reassuring expertise of SIFA staff and experienced guides. Finally, the Fondation benefitted from the invaluable support of Boréal Design, Outfront Média and Québecor (among others).
To encourage kayakers
Members of the greater public can still show their support for the kayakers and the cause of children with cancer by making a donation. To donate, call 1-877-256-0404 or visit circuitbleu.charlesbruneau.qc.ca/make-a-donation.
Go to the Fondation Charles-Bruneau’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (#Circuitbleu) et YouTube platforms to watch the kayakers in action.
For complete details on the event, go to circuitbleu.charlesbruneau.qc.ca.
