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Cancer kayak moves to Willows

After four years in Brentwood Bay, Kayak for a Cure launches from Willows Beach this year.

A year of shifting tides marks the fifth annual Kayak for a Cure.

After four years in Brentwood Bay, the cancer research fundraiser will launch from Willows Beach this year.

“Brentwood Bay is a beautiful spot but Willows Beach is pretty nice too,” said organizer Don Lowther. The change in venue is aligned with a change in benefactor this year. For the past two years the Kayak for a Cure event in Vancouver has funded InspireHealth.

“Vancouver started supporting them a couple years ago. One of the organizers in Vancouver got brain cancer and as part of his treatment went to InspireHealth. Since they opened up in Victoria I decided to support them here in town,” Lowther explained.

The non-profit integrative cancer care centre has a clinic on Oak Bay Avenue.

“I think we’re going to get more first time paddlers because it’s closer to town and it’s an area familiar to most people,” he said.

The paddle is set for Sept. 9 with registration starting by 8:30 a.m. at Willows Beach.

“The event day is just a relaxed paddle from Willows Beach to Gyro Park beach and back again,” Lowther said. A barbecue will wrap the event slated to end at 2 p.m.

Participants can register online and canvass for donations.

“We’re already up over $7,500,” Lowther said. The goal is $15,000, a little higher than previous goals. Last year the event raised $11,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society with 20 to 25 paddlers.

“This year we’re aiming for between 30 and 40 but we’ll take 50 or 100,” Lowther said.

For details and to register visit InspireHealth.ca and click on the Kayak for a Cure logo.