Grab a paddle and head on down to the water this weekend to take part in the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC) Paddle for Nature fundraiser. 

There is no shortage of locations as it can be any body of water whether it’s the Moose Jaw River, Buffalo Pound Lake or Lake Diefenbaker. 

The goal of the event is to connect people with nature, inspire others to do so and raise funds for nature. 

And you don’t necessarily need to be in a canoe or kayak to take part. There are many other options out there. 

“You can participate in anything. We have paddleboards, canoes, floaties, whether you have one yourself or can rent something or borrow one from a friend or family member, get out onto the water,” said NCC engagement manager Kayla Burak. 

Those who want to take part can visit paddlefornature.com to register. There is a base fee of $50 and you can set your distance and fundraising goals. Youth ages 17 years of age and younger can register for $25. 

Participants can register as individuals as well as teams. 

All of the funds raised through Paddle for Nature will go back into NCC nature conservation projects in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. 

“To date in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, we have conserved over 270,000 hectares of land and we want to continue to be able to conserve this native prairie and really to support the protection,” Burak said. 

Prizes will also be available for those you spend a minimum of one hour on the water as well as those who post to social media with the tag #paddlefornature.

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