You know those stories that cash in your hope for the good of humanity and leave you with a happy afterglow? InsideHalton.com just shared one and we had to spread this incredible story.
CharterAbility is a registered charity whose aim is to give anyone with physical limitations, disabilities, or other personal challenges a chance to get out on the water and experience the joys of boating in Oaksville, Ontario. The idea first came to Stephen Cull, the charity’s president, in 2001 while out pontooning at Lake Muskoka with family and friends. Despite some of them suffering physical challenges, he saw how they all were able to enjoy the water together. Two years later, CharterAbility was founded and Cull hit the ground running.
TEST DRIVE THE 2016 PONTOON AND DECK BOAT MODELS AT PDB DAYS
At their fully accessible dock, they now operate two pontoon boats for giving people tours along Sixteen Mile Creek and into a wildlife sanctuary in downtown Oakville—one of which was the very pontoon he rode in 2001.
“It gets a little emotional just thinking about where it started and where we are today,” Cull said.
The trips are free of charge, thanks to the donations given to the charity and the volunteer service provided by the boat operators. At CharterAbility’s annual fundraisers, they pull out all the stops. This year’s An Evening With CharterAbility included a steak and lobster dinner, live music, and hors d’oeuvres by local eateries.
In 2003, the charity was able to offer 45 trips. This year, they’re aiming for 260 tours by the end of the season in October. And it’s not just local residents anymore—visitors from Toronto to Brampton, Brockville, Caledon, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and more have had the pleasure of boarding their pontoons, while support from dozens of organizations have helped the charity grow to where it is today.
“From 45 trips to 260 this year is really a testament to the people who support us and our volunteers,” Cull said. “It’s a beautiful thing. I think we’re the coolest charity.”
Terry Bayley, a long-time member who became executive director in February, said that though he has worked with other charities, he’s never been a part of something that is “so dear to me as this.”
“We take people on boat rides and we’re getting them out from behind their bed, their TV and their computer,” said Cull.
If you’re interested in making a donation or volunteering yourself, call 905-466-2016 or visit www.CharterAbility.com.
Photos credited to CharterAbility
