A stop at Robertson Falls was a highlight of the canoe trip. (Facebook/Men of the North)

By Derek Cornet

reward

Canoe trip marks end of Men of the North’s 40-Yard Challenge

Aug 23, 2021 | 2:00 PM

A three-day canoe trip organized by Men of the North wasn’t without difficulties, but it was a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Nine participants and three chaperones embarked on the journey between Missinipe and Stanley Mission on Aug. 20. It was a reward for a group of young boys, who spent the summer cleaning 53 yards as part of Men of the North’s 40-Yard Challenge.

The 57-kilometre trip had five portages with some being more than 300 metres.

“I know for someone like myself who isn’t that young anymore, going on this canoe trip really challenged myself both mentally and physically,” said group founder Christopher Merasty, adding wildfires had burned sections of the portages. “Lifting our equipment over the fallen trees after the burn this summer was really quite the challenge. That was probably the hardest part of the whole journey.”

Other than that, Merasty explained the trip was enjoyable with no rain and ideal temperatures. The group returned to La Ronge on Sunday.

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“Our mission is to provide opportunities that help and encourage men to seek lasting positive, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being,” he said. “We wish to foster an environment that promotes health, recovery and rehabilitation.”

Fallen trees were one of the difficulties during this summer’s canoe trip. (Facebook/Men of the North)

Stanley Mission and a stop at Holy Trinity Anglican Church marked the end of the trip. (Facebook/Men of the North)

Colin Ross, 13, was one of the participants on the trip and he said his brother took part in 2020. He usually cleans yards in the summer to make money, but decided to volunteer with Men of the North to give back to the community.

Ross noted some parts of the trip were difficult, but swimming in Robertson Falls and all the fun he had made it worth it. He said he would recommend to other young people to participate in the Yard Challenge next year.

“Nobody was talking bad about anyone or nothing,” Ross said. “We were all trying to be kind to each other and it was nice.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno