Support Zoe to compete at Marathon Worlds

Hello Friends, Family and Supporters,

My name is Zoe Bergeron. This August I will be representing Canada at Canoe Marathon World Championships. I competed in a 21 km race to earn a spot to represent Canada in Denmark. I am the only female canoer representing Canada at Marathon Worlds. I will be competing in the senior women’s short course distance and the U23 long course distance. Unfortunately, no national funding is available, so I need help from my community to help make my dream come true. I am launching this GoFundMe campaign to assist with the necessary financial support that will allow me to seize this amazing opportunity and make my mark on the global stage.

A bit about me: I grew up in Baltimore, Ontario and started paddling with the Cobourg Dragon Boat and Canoe Club (CDBCC) in 2013. As a young athlete, it was always my goal to represent Canada at an international competition. My passion and dedication to the sport have led me to multiple triumphs. In 2018, I was the only team member from Cobourg to earn a spot to compete in the Ontario Summer Games. I earned 3rd place as part of a Western Ontario Division four-woman crew in the 1000m race. In 2020, I joined the Mississauga Canoe Club (MCC) to train with other canoers, as I was the only sprint canoer at the CDBCC. This meant I had to leave my hometown and live in Mississauga. Since joining MCC, I have competed in two national competitions. In 2022, I won a bronze medal as part of a four-woman crew in the 500m race. My goal in the sport is always to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to training, and sportsmanship, and always strive to do my best.

Financial Hurdles: The financial burden of attending an international competition is significant. The costs include travel expenses, accommodations, food, boat rental, and a national race uniform. This adds up to approximately $4500.00. The money fundraised will go towards these expenses.

How Your Contribution Will Make a Difference: Regardless of size, your donation will be pivotal in enabling me to participate in the 2023 Marathon Worlds Championships in Denmark. By supporting my journey, you empower a young female athlete to break barriers and prove that determination, dedication, and talent have no boundaries. Your investment in my future will make my dream come true and inspire countless others to pursue their passions and strive for greatness. With your generous contributions, I can compete against the world's best.

Other Ways to Help: If you cannot contribute financially, other valuable ways exist to support my campaign. Spreading the word about this campaign through social media, sharing this inspiring story, and encouraging others to participate will make this campaign a success.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey, and I look forward to celebrating my success with you all!