A Place Worth Fighting For
For over 50 years, Paddler Co-op has been more than a paddling school.
It’s a gathering place for adventurers, a training ground for future river leaders, and a home where lifelong friendships are formed on and off the water.
In early 2024, we learned that the property we call home was going up for sale.
While the property owners were supportive of the Co-op and wanted to see our community continue, they needed to sell the land. Faced with the possibility of losing this special place, our Board of Directors knew we had to act.
The loss of our home would have had a profound impact on our paddling community, our programs, and future generations of river users.
So we set out to do something extraordinary.
The Campaign
On February 19, 2024, we launched a fundraising campaign with one goal: preserve Paddler Co-op’s home on the Madawaska River.
With the leadership of Fundraising Manager Sam Snyder and the support of dozens of dedicated volunteers, we rallied our community around a shared vision.
Every week, volunteers connected with members, alumni, supporters, and sponsors. We created multiple ways to contribute so everyone could participate, regardless of the size of their donation.
The response exceeded every expectation.
The Results
700+ Donors. $300,000+ Raised.
Between February and June 2024, more than 700 donors stepped forward to support the campaign.
Members, alumni, families, local businesses, and corporate sponsors contributed what they could, with the average donation totaling approximately $300.
On June 24, 2024, we successfully closed on the property.
Together, we raised over $300,000 to help secure the purchase, cover legal and transaction costs, and ensure Paddler Co-op could continue operating from the place it has called home for decades.
This achievement was only possible because of the strength, generosity, and dedication of our community.
The Journey Continues
While we’ve secured the property, our work isn’t finished.
As a community-owned organization, we continue to raise funds to help cover mortgage payments and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Co-op.
Every contribution helps reduce financial pressure, invest in our facilities and programs, and ensure that this special place remains accessible for years to come.