The Naomi Fund was set up 5 years ago in memory of Naomi Heffler, a former staff member who died in an avalanche in BC during the winter of 2003. Naomi was keenly interested in becoming better at whatever she tried. She loved sharing her skills with others. Naomi was an awesome paddler and instructor. The Naomi Fund is set up to be used by women wanting to get their instructors in a canoeing discipline. The fund is designed for at least one woman per year to receive funding to take an instructors course. We are looking for applicants for the summer of 2008.

During the summer of 2007 we had a raffle at Churchill River Canoe Outfitters. We had draw for three prizes. The prizes and winners were as follows:

• A beautiful hand made quilt donated and crafted by Anne Marie Hawkins was won by Judy Burgschmidt.
• A canoe barrel donated by Churchill River Canoe Outfitters was won by Fran Protz.
• A beautiful hand crafted wooden box crafted and donated by Dave Fast was won by Cec Chmura.
• And Fresh Air Experience donated a paddling jacket. It was won by Cory Elek.

The Naomi Fund was able to raise approximately $600 this past summer. The Naomi Fund looks forward to funding at least one more woman in her pursuit of canoeing excellence during the summer of 2008. If you feel you are that woman, contact us.