GASPAROTTO GROUP LAUNCHES THE PADDLE FOR RESILIENCE
We are proud to announce the Gasparotto Group, a veteran-owned leadership development firm, is launching the Paddle For Resilience to benefit Wounded Warriors Canada, a national mental health service provider dedicated to serving Trauma Exposed Organizations, Trauma Exposed Professionals and their families.
“Partnerships make our life-changing mental health counselling programs possible both in terms of funding the deliveries themselves and ensuring they’re accessible to Veterans, First Responders and their families at no cost. We are extremely proud to be partnered with Mark and the Gasparotto Group team whose effort aligns so well with our guiding ethos to Honour the Fallen and Help the Living.” – Scott Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer, Wounded Warriors Canada.
Company president Mark Gasparotto, Director of Operations Shawn Groves, and associate William Groves will paddle 1,000 kilometres down the historic Ottawa River from Lac des Outaouais to Westboro Beach, Ottawa. Their journey will take five weeks, between August 18th and September 20th, 2025.
“Our duty to our country and our soldiers didn’t stop when we took off our uniforms. The Paddle For Resilience will help provide life-changing programs for Canada’s heroes. As a combat engineer officer, one of my main jobs was to clear the way for our teams — and we’re doing that here, too.” – Mark Gasparotto, Founder & President.
Inspired by Gasparotto’s keynote speech and workshop entitled, Struggle Well™: Experiments with Resilience, this expedition will demonstrate extraordinary endurance and resilience to raise funds for Wounded Warriors Canada and pay tribute to the endurance and resilience displayed by Trauma Exposed Professionals such as members of Canadian Armed Forces and First Responders recovering from mental health challenges.
“The Ottawa River is not just a waterway — it’s a symbol of resilience and connection. This 1,000 kilometre journey will challenge the Gasparotto Group paddlers physically and mentally while raising awareness and funding for mental health support programs for first responders and military personnel.” – Shawn Groves, Director of Operations.
“As a young Canadian who grew up in a military family, I see it as my responsibility to give back to everybody who has given something to Canada. It’s my honour to be part of the Paddle For Resilience and raise funds for Wounded Warriors Canada.” –William Groves, Associate.
The Gasparotto Group will be joined by paddlers throughout the five, week-long legs of their journey. With detailed mission planning and logistical support from Gasparotto Group associates, the Gasparotto Group is prepared to take on the formidable Ottawa River to serve those who served.
The Expedition will return to Ottawa on Saturday, September 20th, arriving between 11:00-11:30 a.m. at Westboro Beach.