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Eight friends are heading out on the Ottawa River Saturday for a canoe trip that will end about 7,000 kilometres away and five-and-a-half months later in Inuvik, N.W.T.
“The big goal of this trip — as well as having a great time and a great adventure — is to raise awareness for watershed conservation in Canada,” said 22-year-old Karine Houde, a graduate of the University of Ottawa’s environmental studies program.
Houde and seven friends are raising money and awareness for groups that promote watershed protection. While the paddlers will explore lakes and rivers across Canada, Ottawa residents don’t have to go far to understand the need to protect the country’s water, she said.
“There are a lot of places dumping raw sewage directly into the Ottawa River. We’re not taking care of our river in the way that we should.”
— KARINE HOUDE, Trans CanEAUda team member
Canadian Parks and Wilderness spokesperson Ellen Adleberg said Canada has a long way to go in efforts to protect water. “When we see folks like this who are dedicating several months of their lives to raise awareness about that, it’s inspiring,” she said.
To donate, visit website: www.transcaneauda.ca.
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Read more: http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/843491—friends-embark-on-canoe-trip-for-charity