As a unique fund-raising event and enriching experience for novice and expert kayakers alike staged by the Jeunes Musiciens du monde (JMM), the 7th edition of Défi Kayak Desgagnés (Desgagnés Kayak Challenge) was, by all accounts, a tremendous success.
A record number of participants (160) traversed the majestic waters of the St. Lawrence River between Montreal and Québec City (a distance of 250 kms) over four days, August 12-15. It was mission accomplished, too, with the final amount of funds contributed settling at precisely $377,236.96 – exceeding the already-ambitious goal of $350,000!
The funds go towards helping the JMM to carry out its prime mandate of fostering the overall development of underprivileged youths through musical activities.
Quebec’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Jonatan Julien,, was among the participants, as was singer-songwriter Louis-Jean Cormier (the new JMM spokesperson) during the last stage between Portneuf and Québec.
Among the various teams, Groupe Desgagnés raised $25,278 – double its goal. Équipe ABS raised 28,771 – triple its objective. Fednav raised $24,497 – way beyond its goal of $3,600. Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya raised $33,291, surpassing its target of $20,000. QSL raised $14,465. Urgence Marine raised $9,370. And Pagaie Québec raised more than $20,000.
