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CharterAbility is the `coolest charity' says its founder continued from p.10 where it started and where we are today. I get excited about picking up the phone and saying, `Hey, we have an event,' and selling people tickets," said Cull. To help run the complimentary excursions, the organization will hold its annual fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Oakville Power Boat Club, 150 Water St., at 6 p.m. An Evening With CharterAbility features a steak-and-lobster dinner, hors d'oeuvres by local eateries and live music by the Buddy Love Band, Shawn Brush, Dale and Fiona and Nighthawk. "It's a momentous time of year for us because our event is coming up and the season is ending," said Cull. CharterAbility officially launched its 50-70-minute boat trips in summer 2006 and opened its accessible dock and washroom in 2009. While the first year yielded 45 trips, the group aims to log up to 260 outings in 2015, a company-best, by the time boating season ends in October. The organization has hit a number of milestones in recent years, including becoming a registered charity, adding the accessible dock/washroom, growing the business, the addition of a second boat and recordnumbers of excursions. CharterAbility has received support from dozens of organizations over the years, with some sponsors -- such as the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts -- contributing since 2003, Cull said. "If they're going to support us, I feel we have to support them. I'm passionate about that, which is why we've had the same sponsors like the Oakville (Centre) for 13 years. Their logos are on the side of the boat," said Cull. It isn't just local residents filling up seats on its pontoon boats -- the tours attract visitors from Toronto, Brockville, Brampton, Caledon and Niagara-onthe-Lake, Ont., and more. "We've had people come does. He's brought it to where it is today. It's a pleasure to be along for the ride and to be involved," said Bayley. "It's all about bringing this service to as many people that can benefit from it as possible. It will grow." Cull is always looking for more volunteers to operate the boats, work at events and help maintain the vessels and dock. He credits them, the community and the Town of Oakville for CharterAbility's growth and success in providing accessible boating. "From 45 trips to 260 this year is really a testament to the people who support us and our volunteers. It's a beautiful thing. I think we're the coolest charity," said Cull. "We take people on boat rides and we're getting them out from behind their bed, their TV and their computer." Tickets for the Sept. 12 fundraiser cost $50 and can be purchased by calling 905844-7208 or 647-457-0416 or emailing sjc@CharterAbility. com. Those interested in becoming a volunteer can contact Stephen Cull at 905844-7208, Terry Bayley at 647-457-0416 or email info@ charterability.com. For more information or to make a donation, visit www. CharterAbility.com. Cash and cheque donations are also accepted in person at a scheduled boat cruise. 13 | Thursday, September 10, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Convert you wood burning fireplace with a beautiful gas insert by TRAVIS When purchasing a Travis fireplace you will experience EFFICIENCY, DESIGN and TECHNOLOGY UNMATCHED in fireplaces! Visit us your Masonry and fireplace specialists today! Stephen Cull, pictured above, the founder of CharterAbility, sits on the dock as residents of The Kensington Retirement Residence depart on a CharterAbility cruise up the Sixteen Mile Creek -- leaving their walkers, seen below, on the dock. | photos by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) to the boat when we have four trips booked and all of a sudden another group comes. We will squeeze them in somehow. They go for a boat ride," said Cull. CharterAbility now has a roster of 100 volunteers, of whom 30-35 are actively involved. One long-time member, Terry Bayley, became executive director in February. Although he's worked with other charities, Bayley said he's never been involved in something that is "so dear to me as this." "What (Cull) has done is bring it to where it's much easier to run with it now than it was to do when he started it. I'm a big fan of this guy, and the guys who work with him to make this happen," said Bayley. The executive director's vision is to ensure CharterAbility's survival by creating an infrastructure that will be self-sustaining, so it will continue to operate in the future, he said. "It runs entirely on volunteers. Keeping them all interested is what (Cull) 406 Speers Rd., Oakville | 905-337-2066 | www.cobblestonembers.ca serta® mattresses at outlet prices 6 new lines to choose from queen sizes starting as low as available in twin to king sizes Hurontario st. 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