More than 100 kids will paddle 11 miles from Goleta Pier to East Beach in annual event, aproviding financial and emotional support for local children with a life threatening illness.
In 2008, the Keiki Paddle was created to give kids the chance to engage in a first-hand experience of helping others and bring support to families in need. Every year, children ages 7 to 18 participate in an open ocean paddle to provide emotional and financial support to a Santa Barbara child with a life threatening illness. The Keiki board is made up of 11 teens, ages 15 to 18, who strive to keep the tradition going and instill the fundamental concept of giving back to our community. To us, the Keiki Paddle is more than just an event, it is the way that we show someone that we care.
This year is our 8th annual Keiki Paddle and we are proud to announce that we are supporting Amaia Laskin and Make a Wish Foundation. The Keiki Paddle will take place on July 18th, 2015 and will cover 11 miles, starting at Goleta Pier and ending at East Beach in Santa Barbara.
Created in 1995, the Make a Wish Foundation of the Tri Counties grants one special wish to a child with a life threatening medical condition, thus enriching their human experience with hope, strength and joy. We are so proud to have the privilege of representing the organization this year. The Make a Wish Foundation does a lot for the community and we want to thank them by giving back.
In 2014 Amaia was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Amaia is currently a student at Santa Barbara High School, participates in her school’s Madrigals, is fond of the outdoors, and loves the water. Amaia also spends her time helping others. She has raised money for other kids and youth organizations across the U.S. Amaia has also helped to raise funds for Kenyan youth oriented organizations. Due to Amaia’s condition, she was unable to attend her Junior year at school. Despite it all, Amaia continues to fight her disease with a positive attitude. Amaia obviously knows the importance of helping others and now it is our time to help her.
Fortunately, you can support Amaia and Make a Wish Foundation. Any amount counts and you can continue donating even after the Keiki Paddle on July 18th 2015.
The payments can be done online through FirstGiving or made out to the Keiki Paddle. If you have any questions about the Keiki Paddle, you can visit the Keiki Website www.keikipaddle.org. Thank you for your support and we welcome you to join us at East Beach on the day of the paddle, to celebrate these two wonderful causes.
By Anja Green, Keiki Board Member
