MEDIA/PHOTO Advisory - 22nd Annual Paddle the Don: A Natural Adventure in an Urban Environment!

Paddlers navigate waterway from Eglinton to the Mouth of the Don River in annual event Sunday, May 3, 2015

TORONTO, April 30, 2015 /CNW/ - In canoes or kayaks, eager paddlers will make their way down the mighty Don River this Sunday, May 3, 2015 for a fundraising cause unlike any other. Every year, the much-loved Manulife Paddle the Don draws hundreds of participants and this year is no exception, with over 300 canoes, 600 individual participants, and 14 corporate teams taking part. The event helps to raise both awareness and funds for initiatives that benefit the environmental health of the Don watershed.

To date, more than $500,000 has been raised in support of environmental education programming, conservation efforts and public awareness through Manulife Paddle the Don. The ultimate goal is to benefit the watershed and the people who live, work and visit the Don.

Manulife Paddle the Don is organized through Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA), The Living City Foundation, and the Wilderness Canoe Association, along with the support of more than 200 dedicated volunteers. The event is sponsored by Manulife, with support from The Complete Paddler, Black Creek Historic Brewery, and Starbucks.

What:	Manulife Paddle the Don
When:	Sunday, May, 3, 2015
Where:	Launch Site – The 10.5 km paddle starts at Ernest Thompson Seaton Park, access the park via the entrance to Wilket Creek Park and Sunnybrook Park on the west side of Leslie Street, just north of Eglinton Avenue and follow the signs.
Take-out Site – Parkette on northwest corner of Villiers Street and Don Roadway (170 Villiers Street)

8:15 a.m.  Greetings from Ontario Premier, The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Edwina Stoate, Manulife, Councillor Paul Ainslie, Member Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Bill King, The Wilderness Canoe Association.
8:30am to 12:30pm  Participants paddle the Don River
10:30am to 3:00pm -  Manulife Landing Party Event at Villiers Parkette (170 Villiers Street) to celebrate participants' successful paddle down the Don River

For more information, visit: http://www.paddlethedon.ca
To download a route map: http://www.paddlethedon.ca/dotAsset/98781.pdf

About TRCA:  With over 55 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation, (TRCA) helps people understand, enjoy and look after the natural environment. Our vision is for The Living City where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity. For more information, call 416-661-6600  or visit us at www.trca.on.ca

SOURCE Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Media Contact: Elizabeth Oakley, Manager of Media, Toronto and Region Conservation, Tel: [phone] Mobile or [email protected]