When Mark Waldron discovered Hopes Float in the summer of 2008, he was immediately interested in the program’s outreach to help the disabled and elderly.
Being on the water isn’t new to Waldron, who has experience as a fishing guide. But that wasn’t the deciding factor to volunteer with Hopes Float. “I just wanted to do it to help people,” he says. “It’s not about the fishing; it’s about the whole experience on the water with the elderly or disabled.”
Passing the Colorado Boaters Safety Course, Waldron became captain of the boat. In addition to arranging meeting places and calling in volunteers, he is in charge of picking up the boat, taking it to the water and driving it.
“Mark is just awesome,” says Stephanie Adams, executive director. “There is a group who specifically requests Mark to be their captain.”
But what keeps Waldron involved with the organization is the smiles he sees from his clients on the water. Every experience is equally rewarding, but he does remember some that stand out in his mind, especially when a 93-year-old woman caught a fish. “She hadn’t fished in 35 years. She had the greatest time of her life. It made her feel young again.”
With more than 70 volunteers on staff, Hopes Float is always looking for more due to their increasing trip requests. Anyone older than 16 can volunteer with the organization, and fishing knowledge isn’t a requirement. To volunteer for Hopes Float, contact Adams at 303-651-0849.
Thanks to Hopes Float, people with special needs or disabilities
can now experience the joy that being out on the water brings to
so many people.
Hopes Float is a 501 nonprofit project which provides a fun and
engaging boating and fishing experience for the special needs and
disabled community along the Colorado Front Range. The concept was
formulated in 2002, but wasn't up and running until 2008.
It took the board of directors quite a while to find a boat and
raise money to get the project running. Once they received the
boat, they made it handicap accessible by adding a wheelchair ramp
and locks. Judy Watt, one of their many clients says, "What they're
doing is really awesome. They do it from their heart and it's
very rare you find that."
Watt has been taking her daughter, Christina Watt, out on the boat
for the past three summers and brings their extended family along
to enjoy the day with them. "It's a great experience for
her to be with the family and participate in an activity like that,"
she says.
This unique experience is completely free. Executive director
Stephanie Adams says, "Folks with disabilities have enough
financial hurdles to get over, so we didn't want to put up any
more barriers." Beyond the free boat trip, Hopes Float provides
all of the necessary fishing equipment. This is made possible by
grants, donations and corporate sponsorships that the organization
receives.
Adams enjoys seeing the smiles and joy the trips bring to people
of all ages. However, she doesn't know what's better
- getting the kids out because of their enthusiasm and joy on
their face, or getting the seniors, who used to fish, and hearing
their stories. Check it Out If you're interested in boating with Hopes Float, all you
have to do is call and set up a trip for any day of the week. They
will meet you at any lake you want and accommodate your groups'
needs. To learn more about this Longmont organization and how it helps, or to volunteer, call 303-651-0849 or visit www.hopesfloat.org.