The Paddle On Foundation Continues to Support Paddlers

Paddle Australia © Photo by Salty Dingo 2020

The Paddle On Foundation was established earlier this year as part of the Paddle Support Package. In just a few months, the Foundation has been able to support numerous paddlers while also receiving generous contributions from the paddling community to help continue support those in need.

The Paddle On Foundation was established by Paddle Australia and the six State Paddle Associations in May 2020 to help members adversely impacted by COVID-19 keep paddling. Paddlers who might otherwise have not been able to join or renew with their club this year are able to apply to have all or part of their 2020/21 Paddle Australia, State and Club membership paid by The Paddle On Foundation.

For those who have fared well through COVID-19, there is also an opportunity to donate to the Foundation to help support fellow members and paddlers stay out on the water.

Since its inception in May, PA and the SPAs are pleased to report that the Paddle On Foundation has helped to support the memberships for 47 paddlers, including seven families.

Many of the beneficiaries of the Foundation have had all or some of their regular income impacted by COVID-19 and would not have been able to continue their membership as part of the Paddle Australia community without the Foundation’s support. This has enabled those members to enjoy all the benefits that paddling has to offer, not only for physical and mental wellbeing but also the social aspect and sense of community associated with belonging to a paddle club.

The paddling community has been extremely generous in supporting their fellow paddlers with 729 donations made, contributing more than $20,000 to the Foundation. A huge 15.6 per cent of members have opted to donate to the Paddle On Foundation when purchasing their membership. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far! If you would like to donate, you can do so when joining or renewing or by clicking here .

The paddling season has only just started, particularly for many members based in WA whose membership renewals are due now, so if you are interested in applying for support from the Paddle On Foundation for you or your family’s 2020/21 membership, please do not hesitate to fill in the application form here.

In the next phase of the Paddle On Foundation, PA and the SPAs will look to expand the criteria for those who are eligible for support through the Foundation, beyond the immediate impacts of COVID-19. This will provide an ongoing means to assist members, clubs, and others.

While 2020 has not been a great year for most people, it is hoped that the establishment of the Paddle On Foundation will endure as a positive reminder of what we can achieve as a united paddling community.

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