We Strutted our Stuff – Tely Hike 2014

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Defying the morning weather, 349 hikers turned out to the 14th annual East Coast Trail Tely Hike fundraiser to celebrate the Trail’s 20th birthday and to hike on some of the Trail’s great paths.

More than $180,000 has been raised from hikers and corporate sponsors – and pledges are still coming in.

The Tely Hike fundraiser kicked off at the King George V Park at 8:00 am on International Trails Day. This year’s event was sponsored by the City of St. John’s and The Telegram.

Hikers and representatives of the East Coast Trail Association, were joined by Minister French, representing the Province, Dave Boland, representing ACOA, Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth, of the City of St. John’s, platinum level corporate sponsors, Exxon Mobil and Newalta, volunteers and members of the East Coast Trail Association.

Prizes were awarded for the top three fundraising teams who raised a combined total of over $16,000 and top three individual fundraisers who raised a combined total of over $5,500. Three grand prizes were also awarded (see list of winners below).

This year the East Coast Trail turns 20 years old. More than 265 kilometres of wilderness coastal hiking trail have been developed over the past 20 years. The Trail is now recognized by National Geographic as one of the 10 best adventure destinations in the world

The East Coast Trail Tely Hike Fundraiser is an annual event that raises necessary funds to help maintain and protect the East Coast Trail. It gets walkers and hikers out on International Trails Day to hike the East Coast Trail.

A big Thank You to the seventy volunteers who helped make this day a great success!

2014 Fundraising Awards and Grand Prize Winners

Raising money is hard work but some teams and individuals make it look easy. Thanks to all hikers who donated or spent their valuable time gathering pledges to support the East Coast Trail. Award winners for 2014 are:

FIRST PLACE TEAM
TETC (Torbay Environment & Trails Committee) Coyotes – $7,142.00 – Ocean excursion with O’Brien’s Boat Tours and dinner at O’Brien’s Restaurant (up to 10 people).

SECOND PLACE TEAM
The Quinlan Family – $5668.00 – A Zipline adventure and dinner at Chafe’s Landing Restaurant, Petty Harbour ( up to 10 people)

THRID PLACE TEAM
Rice Krispies – $3,611.00
 – Stan Cook Sea Kayak Adventures plus dinner at Riverview Restaurant, Cape Broyle (up to 10 people)


FIRST PLACE INDIVIDUAL
Robbie Hicks – $2,207.00 – A day-hike guided by T. A. Loeffler plus picnic at Ferry Lighthouse Picnics (up to 6 people)

SECOND PLACE INDIVIDUAL
James Quinlan – $1,703.00  Snorkeling with whales with Ocean Quest Adventures plus dinner at Basho Restaurant ( for 2 people)

THRID PLACE INDIVIDUAL
Cathie Quinlan – $1,630.00  Half day kayaking adventure with The Outfitters plus picnic at Ferryland Lighthouse Picnics ( for 4 people).

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS!

Everyone who donated or pledged $50 was entered into the Grand Prize draw. The more raised the more tickets were entered into the draw. And the winners are:

Grand Prize #1  Amy Bishop  Trip for two to the West Coast of Newfoundland for kayaking/hiking (includes PAL travel voucher for $1000, 2 nights accommodations, 2-day car rental)

Grand Prize #2 – Melanie Mercer – The Art Book Package: Compliments of Five Island Gallery – J C Roy Art Book & Video and Rug Hooking Book by Fran Ennis; from Sheilagh O’Leary Photography – Human Natured – NL Nudes plus NL Chocolate Company gift basket

Grand Prize #3  Greta Jenson – Excursion across the Tickle – Tickets for 2 to “The Ghosts of Bell Island” Haunted Tour, compliments of Bell Island Toursim; from Sheilagh O’Leary Photography – Human Natured – NL Nudes plus NL Chocolate Company gift basket

Photos by Sheldon Huelin, Laura Spiller, Madeleine Florent, and Narcissus Walsh