Just like a canoe goes faster with two people paddling it, it’s also a lot quicker and easier to build one with someone else. In this case, the two partners are RONA Building Centre and The Canadian Canoe Museum. Beginning February 2nd, 2010, A team of Canoe Museum volunteers led by Denis Gagne will be hard at work every Tuesday in the Voyageur Place RONA store at 898 Monaghan Road building a beautiful new wood strip canoe. On May 15th, the winning raffle ticket will be drawn and the completed canoe will go to a lucky new owner just in time for spring. All proceeds from the raffle go to support the Canoe Museum.

This is the second partnership between RONA and the Canoe Museum, who also built a canoe together in 2009. The museum is contributing the expertise to build the canoe and RONA has underwritten the cost of materials and supplies. “We’re happy to help with this project,” said Store Manager John Musgrave. “Seeing the canoe take shape in the store last year was a great attraction, and I’m sure it inspired some of our customers with their own projects.” The work is done entirely by Canoe Museum volunteers”, said Curator Jeremy Ward, adding that “Denis and his team did a great job last time and we’re glad they can help us again. RONA is a great neighbour, and we appreciate their support for this fundraising project.”

Tickets for the raffle are $10.00 each, and can be purchased at the Voyageur Place RONA store and the Canadian Canoe Museum. The completed canoe is valued at $5500. With only 1000 tickets to be sold, they will go fast but the odds of winning are good. Drop by the store on Tuesday to chat with the builders, or whenever you’re in the neighbourhood to see their progress. The winner will be drawn on Saturday, May 15th at 12:00 noon at RONA. The Canadian Canoe Museum, located at 910 Monaghan Road, is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 and to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 12 noon to 5:00 pm.