In August and September 2025, Paddle for Resilience, founded by the Gasparotto Group will paddle 1,000 km down the historic Ottawa River from Lac des Outaouais to Westboro Beach, Ottawa n support of Wounded Warriors Canada.
The Ottawa River is not just a waterway—it’s a symbol of resilience and connection. This 1000 km journey will challenge the Gasparotto Group paddlers physically and mentally while raising awareness and funding for mental health support programs for first responders and military personnel.
Mark Gasparotto's connection to Wounded Warriors goes all the way back to their origin story when it was initially called The Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warrior Fund. Mike was a member of 23 Field Squadron and was seriously injured by an IED in Kandahar in 2006. His parents along with an Assisting Officer started the fund to look after wounded soldiers at the Landstuhl Hospital. The organization is now a national charity dedicated to supporting trauma exposed professionals with mental health support and resilience programs.
The Group is asking for support in terms of donations and additional DIY paddling groups who can design their own route and donate as well. Every contribution directly funds mental health initiatives for Wounded Warriors Canada.
For more information, go to Paddle for Resilience where you will find Paddle for Resilience DIY Route Registration instructions and a link to the Wounded Warriors Canada donation page
Chimo,
Mark