I'm raising at least £1,000 for the paddling community in Ilulissat to rebuild the kayak club house and the precious kayaks, equipment and tools which were lost in a fire in January 2025. Over £50,000 (500,000 DKK) worth was lost. Like many UK paddlers I have enjoyed kayaking in the icy waters and spectacular landscapes of Greenland, and have experienced the warm hospitality of Greenlanders who were the architects of the kayak.

The local community in Ilulissat are fundraising and this is their request:

On Friday, the 10th, the Qajaq Ilulissat house burned down. The fire was so large that we lost the house we used as a seal skin preparation workshop and storage. Many competition kayaks and irreplaceable equipment were lost in the fire.

This summer, there is a competition. Because we lost many expensive tools, we must begin remaking our equipment as soon as possible.

Qajaq Ilulissat is accepting donations; any amount is appreciated. We will use the funds to buy wood for paddles and kayak tools, an inflatable boat and its motor, caribou antlers, and to replace other items lost in the fire.

We are fundraising because Qajaq is a culturally significant activity preserved in Greenland. Please donate to support our perseverance.

I am collecting funds in the UK and will make one transaction to the Kayak club account to make this possible, through one international banking fee. I have checked with my own bank who confirmed this is absolutely fine.

Donations large and small will all add up. Please help if you can.

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