On January 1, 2011, Bob Purdy from Kelowna will embark on a year-long effort to raise awareness for the protection of our planet.  He’s been ‘Standing Up’ for a few years now and has decided adopt the cause through more than just words.  He plans to paddle every day for one full year and hopes that the initiative will catch on… and ultimately help more people ‘tune in’ to nature.  It’s called ‘Paddle for the Planet’ and you can get involved too because Nature is Calling.…. will you answer the call?

From Bob:

My name is Bob Purdy, I am an “Elder in Training”. Someone once told me an “old person” goes on about nothing, whereas an “Elder” imparts wisdom with a keen sense of awareness! I am a rookie “Elder in Training”, just starting the observational phase of what promises to be a lengthy education. For my first assignment, I have been charged with  observing “Nature” and the “Way” we live here on “Earth”. It would appear, that as a species, we humans have taken advantage of “Nature’s” good nature for too long.  The evidence is in the land, the water and the air! My rapidly developing skills of observation tell me that “Nature” is calling us to change our “Ways”!

Bob Purdy 'The Elder"...

I am also a “Standup Paddle Surfer”. A somewhat enthusiastic “Standup Paddle Surfer”, some say obsessive! For me, “Standup Paddle Surfing” has progressed far beyond a sport into a way of life. “Standup Paddle Surfing” has helped to deepen my connection with “Nature” and has motivated me to answer “Nature’s Call”, perhaps do something “Outstanding”!

“Paddle for the Planet” is this “Standup Paddle Surfing, Elder in Training, Outstanding Somewhere” person’s “Way” of answering “Nature’s Call”! I came up with the idea awhile back to paddle every day for a year, perhaps as a fund raiser for the “David Suzuki Foundation”, an organization I have contributed to for many years. I was not prepared for the reception to my idea. To my surprise, after friends and family stopped laughing, they totally embraced the idea. So, I approached the “David Suzuki Foundation” and they liked the idea as well. One thing led to another and it is now official, this “Standup Paddle Surfing, Elder in Training, Outstanding Somewhere” person will indeed be “Outstanding Somewhere” every day starting New Year’s Day 2011, to answer “Nature’s Call” for a different “Way”!

“Paddle for the Planet” has been created to “Answer Nature’s Call”! You are invited along for the ride in 2011 and can follow our progress via the links below! How can you help? You can make a donation, every penny collected goes directly to the “David Suzuki Foundation” in support of the amazing work they do for “Mother Earth”! You can try something new ecology wise, start a project of your own, or?……….

One person is the difference, stand up and be that person!

From “Paddle for the Planet”, Thank You for your interest and support!

Main Page Photo Credit: (rafael perini (www.mydarkroom.ca)

Paddle starts New Year’s Day, January 1, 2011, 1 pm at Rotary Beach in Kelowna, B.C.

Bob Purdy is ready to answer the call....

David Suzuki Foundation

About the David Suzuki Foundation

We work with government, business and individuals to conserve our environment by providing science-based education, advocacy and policy work, and acting as a catalyst for the social change that today’s situation demands.

Our mission and vision

• Our mission is to protect the diversity of nature and our quality of life, now and for the future.
• Our vision is that within a generation, Canadians act on the understanding that we are all interconnected and interdependent with nature.

Our top goals

Protecting our climate — ensure that Canada is doing its fair share to avoid dangerous climate change and is on track to achieve a safe level of greenhouse gas emissions.

Transforming the economy — make certain that Canadians can maintain a high quality of life within the finite limits of nature through efficient resource use.

Protecting nature — work to protect the diversity and health of Canada’s marine, freshwater, and terrestrial creatures and ecosystems.

Reconnecting with nature — ensure that Canadians, especially youth, learn about their dependence on a healthy environment through outdoor education.

Building community — engage Canadians to live healthier, more fulfilled and just lives with tips on building Earth-friendly infrastructure, making smart energy choices, using efficient transportation, and being mindful of the products, food and water we use.

Vancouver (Head Office)

219 – 2211 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6K 4S2
Phone 604-732-4228
or toll free at 1-800-453-1533
Fax 604-732-0752