18-Year-Old Holding SUP Fundraiser

Madeline Leblanc is an 18-year-old with a heart of gold. For the Past couple of years Madeline has been doing an annual fundraiser where she paddles 10km down the Wellan Canal to raise money for brain cancer research. Here is her story:

My name is Madeline Leblanc and I am from Welland Ontario Canada and I am 18 years old. In 2011, I lost two people very close to me from cancer, and I wanted to take action. Julia Turner was a high school friend and Lynn Lambert was a neighbour and high school teacher at Centennial high school. In 2012 I bought my first stand up paddle board and I have loved paddling ever since, enjoying the canal and the fantastic facilities that Welland has to offer. I knew that I could do something big with paddle boarding one day, and On Board was just it!

Madeline Leblac is raising awareness and funds for brain cancer.

This past summer in an effort to give back, I partnered with the Canadian Cancer society, Ausmosis Board Works, and the City of Welland to paddle 10km down the Welland Canal to raise funds that went towards brain cancer research (because Julia suffered from a brain tumor). I never got the chance to say goodbye to them, so creating this event was my way of saying just that. Last year I raised over $4000 and was so amazed by all of the support from so many people in Welland who were also touched by the lives of Julia and Lynn. Over 100 people came out to the canal and enjoyed a free SUP demo day hosted by Ausmosis and a free BBQ.

The whole experience was truly life changing and I am forever thankful for everyone who helped make the day so successful. Because last year was so successful I have decided to do the paddle again but this time not alone. This upcoming summer I am allowing whoever would like paddle to come join me and my ride to celebrate the lives of two wonderful people who really made a difference in the world.

This year the paddle will be on Thursday, July 23th time TBA. The starting point will be the Welland International Flatwater Center and the turnaround point will be the Pen Financial Flatwater Community Centre. I also have three new sponsors Surf The Greats, Proteus Clothing Co and Vesuvius Canada. If you would like to donate or join me on my paddle, please reach out to me through the On Board Facebook page because the online donation page has yet to be set up. I encourage anyone who loves to paddle to join me to make a difference and to help those who suffer from brain cancer.