Local Man Embarks On Rideau Trail Hiking Fundraiser For Hospital

A South Carleton High School alumni is embarking on a trek to raise money for the Shriner’s Hospital.

Brandon Tkachuk, who grew up attending Kars Public School, Rideau Valley Middle School and South Carleton, is raising money by embarking on a week-and-a-half-long hike on the Rideau Trail from Ottawa to Kingston.

Brandon’s son, Logan, was born with bi-lateral clubfeet. He is being treated at the Shriner’s Hospital in Montreal.

“Because of all the work Shriners has been doing to help my son, I would like to give back to Shriners Children’s,” Tkachuk stated.” To do that, I would like to raise money for the hospital. I would like to do so by gaining sponsors and doing a through hike of the Rideau Trail — a 327km (203 mile) nature trail that goes from Kingston, Ontario to Ottawa. I am aiming to complete this trail over the course of 10 days.”

The main trail itself crosses terrain ranging from placid farmland to the rugged Canadian Shield. It is intended for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The Rideau Trail Association does not own any of the lands that the trails go through and the continuity of the trails is made possible by the generous permission of both private and public landowners and enhanced by a special fund called the Rideau Trail Preservation Fund.

Tkachuk began his journey last week.

“This fundraiser is very important to me because without Shriners Children’s, my son would not have recovered as well as he did, so I want to do what I can and raise as much money as I can for Shriners Children’s, so that they can continue to help other children and their families,” he stated.

If you would like to donate to the fundraiser, visit https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/fundraiser/4375191 .