South Island SUP’s long time Paddling Club member Oscar Casiro is Paddling with a Purpose!

In Oscar’s words, ‘as I approached my 75th birthday, I felt a profound urge to share my passion for the ocean and SUP with others, giving deeper meaning to the countless joyful hours I spend on the water year-round. After much reflection, the idea of transforming my paddling energy into kilometers and those kilometers into dollars for a worthy cause began to take shape.’

Oscar set out this season to paddle 750 km to raise $7,500 for the Island Kids Cancer Association, which helps families on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands navigate a diagnosis of childhood cancer.

But wait!

Within the first couple weeks, $7,500 was raised and the new fundraising goal increased to $15,000!!

Visit Oscar’s fundraising page to learn more about his Paddling with a Purpose story, follow his progress (updated weekly) and perhaps make a donation.

South Island SUP and Mer Tales Ocean Journeys are excited to be Oscar’s sponsors. We’ll be there for him on the water, provide him with paddling gear, keep track of his location, and make sure he’s safe along the way. And for every kilometre he paddles, we’re each pledging one dollar.

Oscar has paddled over 100 km already and is always happy to paddle with others. Reach out if you’d like to join Oscar on the water and in fundraising for IKCA to help make a meaningful, direct impact on the lives of children and families in our island communities.

Thank you Oscar for sharing your passion for the ocean and SUP in such a beautiful way 💜