A great current of hope for the 8th edition of the Circuit bleu Charles-Bruneau presented by Pelican International
In front of a crowd of enthusiastic participants, Pierre Bruneau and Paul Doucet, both spokespersons for the Fondation Charles-Bruneau, as well as José Gaudet, ambassador of the event for the very first time, unveiled at the end of the day yesterday the sum of $310,000 raised by the Circuit bleu Charles-Bruneau. The pride and sense of accomplishment could be seen in the eyes of the paddlers as they arrived at the Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville.
For three days, the participants of the Circuit bleu paddled, alone or in relay, in kayak or paddleboard, nearly 70 km on the waters surrounding the island of Montreal and the Boucherville islands, in order to raise funds for the Fondation Charles-Bruneau. On Sunday afternoon, under a radiant sun, they gave their all in tribute to Lyanna, 5 years old, Ariane, 15 years old, Alyah, 6 years old and Zachary, 18 years old, the four heroes of this 8th edition, but also for all children with cancer in Quebec and their families.
“What a joy, after the last few months that we have lived, to join such a beautiful group and surpass ourselves in the open air for the cause! We cannot thank you enough, dear participants, partners and donors. It is thanks to your dedication and sustained efforts that we can announce today such a substantial amount to help the 2,000 children with cancer in Quebec,” said Pierre Bruneau in a heartfelt speech.
“This year, Pelican International is very pleased to be the official presenter of the event. We are honored to be associated with this great cause that is close to our hearts and that contributes, year after year, to the healing of our children with cancer. As the father of two healthy and active boys, I am privileged and sensitive to this cause that affects one child a day in Quebec. All of our lives have been turned upside down for over a year and it is not easy for anyone. However, childhood cancer has not taken a vacation despite COVID. It is therefore a great pride for the entire Pelican team to have participated in great numbers in this 8th edition of the Circuit Bleu, with more than 50 paddlers, to have contributed to the fundraising of $146,000 and it is a rendez-vous without fail for next year!” Danick Lavoie, Pelican International
Pelican International team. On the far right, Danick Lavoie, President. Photo: Jean-François Girard
Given the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the organizing committee opted for a looped course rather than a linear one, in order to reduce group travel. All sanitary measures in effect have been respected.
In June 2021, the Foundation announced a historic commitment of $25 million in research over 5 years to fight pediatric cancer. This commitment is the Foundation’s largest to date. It will materialize through a visionary approach, in which the collaboration and complementarity of the four university hospital centers of Quebec specialized in pediatric oncology will be put to good use. The scope, quantity and quality of the funded research projects will make it possible to fight childhood cancer, from the gene to the organization of oncology nursing care.
The Charles-Bruneau Foundation would like to warmly thank all the paddlers who answered “present” to support families and individuals affected by childhood cancer.
The Circuit bleu Charles-Bruneau 2021 in figures
- Amount raised: $310,000
- This 8th edition took place from September 10 to 12, 2021
- Two courses: Le Classique (55 km in 2 days, Friday and Saturday) and Le Petit Bleu (13 km in 1 day, Sunday)
- 170 participants and 10 corporate teams
- 4 young heroes: Lyanna, 5 years old, Ariane, 15 years old, Alyah, 6 years old and Zachary, 18 years old
- Award: Paddling event par excellence in 2019 by Canot Kayak Quebec
- In 2020, the Blue Circuit raised $220,000. Since its inception, the event has donated nearly $1,750,000 for pediatric hemato-oncology research.
Thank you to all those who participated in the great success of this 8th edition of the Blue Circuit
Thank you to all the partners, volunteers and other stakeholders who participated in some way in the great success of this 8th edition of the Circuit bleu Charles-Bruneau.
The Fondation Charles-Bruneau would like to highlight the remarkable generosity of the teams and companies that raised $10,000 or more during the event, including Pelican International, Jumana Boards, Cascades and CEP Forensic.
The Foundation was also able to count on the reassuring expertise of SIFA’s speakers and experienced guides throughout the event. Finally, the Foundation benefited from the indispensable support of Lactalis, Outfront, Québecor, Jeunes Musiciens du Monde, Boréal Design and Kinatex.
