From The Rockies To The Prairies: Two Friends Paddle Alberta For Charity
- Lorna Hamilton
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
Photo submitted
When Andrew Benoit pushed his canoe into the North Saskatchewan River at Saskatchewan Crossing on July 18, he embarked on much more than an 850-kilometre journey across Alberta.
Alongside his friend, Jett Carey, the two Kelowna, B.C., residents will spend the next four to six weeks paddling across the province, raising money for the Terry Fox Foundation and Ecotrust Canada while taking on everything from icy mountain waters and Class II rapids to prairie headwinds and long days on the river.
For Benoit, originally from Lloydminster, the expedition is also deeply personal.
“I have a personal connection to cancer as my mother passed away from the disease a few years ago, so I would like to contribute to organizations that help individuals and families dealing with similar situations,” he said.
“We also both care deeply about the environment and believe its health is critical to human health and well-being. Nature provides, and the closer we can get to understanding that as a population, the better off we will be.”
Benoit, met Carey, who grew up in Vernon, B.C., through mutual friends. What started as an ambitious idea several years ago eventually became a reality.
“I came up with the idea to canoe across Alberta a few years ago, just thinking it would be a cool thing to do, not really thinking it would actually happen. When I told Jett about it, he was immediately fascinated by the idea. Luckily, the timing for this summer shaped up to work out, and we started planning. The idea to use the trip to support a good cause came later.”
Their route will follow the North Saskatchewan River from Saskatchewan Crossing to a point north of Lloydminster near the Saskatchewan border, a journey of approximately 850 kilometres.
“Our route across the province on the North Saskatchewan River works so well because we pass through a few cities such as Rocky Mountain House and Edmonton, which will give us exposure for the fundraising side of the trip and allow us to restock food and supplies, which is necessary for such a long trip,” Benoit said.
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The pair hope to raise $8,500 through Charitable Impact, with every dollar donated going directly to the Terry Fox Foundation and Ecotrust Canada. As of this week, they had already raised more than $6,450 toward that goal.
“We’re funding the trip ourselves. Every dollar goes directly to these charities,” Benoit said. “Not a single penny of your donation pays for our trip. One hundred per cent goes to the charities.”
Supporters can choose to split their donation equally between the two charities, direct their entire donation to either organization or choose their own percentage.
The Terry Fox Foundation, established in 1988, funds innovative cancer research across Canada, while Ecotrust Canada, founded in 1995, works with rural, remote and Indigenous communities to build sustainable local economies and improve environmental sustainability.
Benoit said the causes are closely connected.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, nearly one in two Canadians is expected to be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, while one in four will die from the disease. He noted the waterways they will paddle flow near communities where concerns have been raised about pollution and its impact on public health.
“We believe protecting the environment is the best way to protect our people; after all, we all live here. We don’t just inherit the land from our predecessors; we borrow it from our successors.”
While the fundraising goal is important, so is safely completing the expedition.
“Neither of us have canoed on the river before, and many challenges are present. The first part of the journey involves ice-cold water, Class II rapids, the large and windy Abraham Lake, and a portage around the Bighorn Dam. Any river features and obstacles too dangerous to run will be portaged around.”
“The middle section of the river should be fairly smooth sailing, with fast-moving open river. The last section will have strong headwinds and possibly low water levels requiring us to walk the canoe along as we cross the prairies to the Saskatchewan border. The river flow and hazards present our biggest dangers, and we are prepared to paddle through any bad weather, or hunker down at camp in the case of storms too severe to paddle in, or lightning.”
The pair expect to spend between six and 12 hours on the water each day, covering between 30 and 60 kilometres depending on weather and river conditions. They plan to take a rest day about once a week while carrying enough food to reach each resupply point, with extra provisions in case conditions slow their progress.
“We will carry enough food with us to last until our next resupply location, plus a few days extra just in case. We will filter water from the river to drink until it becomes too polluted, then we will bring water with us in jugs.”
Those wishing to support the expedition can donate through the pair’s Charitable Impact fundraising page at:
Tax receipts are automatically issued for all donations, and businesses making contributions will be recognized on the fundraising page in appreciation of their support.
As Benoit and Carey have launched their canoes into the North Saskatchewan River, they’re hoping the kilometres ahead will do more than test their endurance. They’re hoping every paddle stroke helps raise awareness, inspires donations and makes a difference for families affected by cancer while supporting the health of Alberta’s waterways for generations to come.
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