After completing a journey of over 1,000 kilometers along the Ottawa River, Sean and Will Groves arrived at Westboro Beach on Saturday morning. The father-son team, along with a small group of paddlers, including military veterans, were warmly welcomed by numerous supporters following their challenging five-week expedition. Will Groves shared that they paddled approximately six to seven hours on easier days and up to 12 hours on more difficult days, making it a remarkable experience.
The expedition, starting on August 18 at Lac des Outaouais in Quebec, aimed to raise funds for Wounded Warriors, a mental health charity. The journey took them through untouched wilderness, navigating rapids and high swells along the river. Mark Gasparotto, a military veteran and experienced canoeist, initiated the trip inspired by his cousin, joining the Groves on this remarkable adventure.
The route was divided into five legs, including rugged portages early on, where paddlers had to clear their way through the bush. The core group was accompanied by a rotating team of supporters who joined for shorter segments of the trip. Gasparotto, a former combat engineer with experience in Afghanistan, mentioned that they covered 40 to 50 kilometers per day, six days a week, reflecting on the well-executed plan as a former military member.
The journey raised over $100,000 for Wounded Warriors Canada, an organization offering mental health support to trauma survivors. Gasparotto, recalling his time in Kandahar during a tragic incident, highlighted the importance of the funds raised in providing essential programs and services for impacted individuals. The collective effort and support for this noble cause left a sense of accomplishment among the participants, emphasizing the positive impact of their mission.
(Photo: Military veteran Mark Gasparotto addresses the crowd on Westboro Beach after paddling for five weeks along the Ottawa River. Credit: Submitted by Wounded Warriors Canada)
