Testimonials

People with disabilities enjoying the freedom and experience of our natural environment

On June 28th 2010 I went to the Summer Holiday Program at Geneva Park in Southern Ontario.

There were many fun activities to take part in. My favorite was the kayaking. Being out of my wheelchair and gliding along the surface of the water was very relaxing and very calming.

The Summer Holiday Program has all the equipment to make it possible for me to be taken out of my chair and comfortably placed into the kayak. Pauline was our instructor and we have known each other since 2007. She teaches us how to paddle and how to use the paddle to turn the kayak. Her instructions make us feel very comfortable and safe while we are on the water.

At one point I was just drifting gently on the surface while I was waiting for other participants to get their kayaks ready I noticed my wheelchair on the shore. A feeling of “being free” from my wheelchair came over me. It is an overwhelming sensation that comes over you, making you feel happy.

Many people that have a disability have the notion that they can’t do certain things such as kayaking, canoeing etc. The Summer Holiday Program at Geneva Park provides a solution that over comes these challenges. They have the necessary equipment to remove these barriers and make every day activities available to the disabled.

With the assistance of the Ontario March of Dimes the Summer Holiday Program has been made possible.

- Derrick Lavallee
Sault Ste. Marie, ON

My Name is Jonathan Brown. I have C.P (Cerebral Palsy) and Epilepsy (Seizures). I do track and field with (OCPSA) that's Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association and I Work Part Time for The Home Depot. It feels great to be on the water because you feel peaceful on it and you don't have to worry about life as well.

- Jonathan Brown

Pauline loves the outdoors and paddling. Pauline also loves helping people to achieve. This is a made-to-order combination for people of all ages and abilities who would like to get involved in a healthful sport and enjoy its many benefits. I have watched Pauline work her magic on fearful wannabe paddlers who later went on to rate paddling as their favourite activity. If someone has the will and wants to paddle, regardless of their fears and challenges, Pauline will figure out the how. Pauline Halstead changes lives.

Even the most fearful and challenging students will come away with more confidence and an appreciation of kayaking as a sport and fun activity.

- Lucy Mekler, Writer, Broadcaster, Disability Advocate

I had my first experience with kayaking about 4 yrs ago, I was introduced while at camp with March of Dimes and a very nice instructor named Pauline Halstead. I must admit I was a little apprehensive at first, I should point out that I use a wheelchair for my main mode of transportation, but that didn’t deter me from this new experience. [From "Kayaking and Overcoming Obstacles with Disabilities", published in Canews, Winter 2010.]

- Rachael Burrows, paralympic athlete

My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed kayaking. The freedom and independene really builds your confidence . Thank you for this amazing experience.

- Sharon & Daniella

Feeling free with nature.

- Simon Qiggaittuq

I had a wonderful afternoon.

- Andrea Tipping