NEWS COVERAGE:

• WWLP-22News, 8/21/2024

• iBerkshires, 8/22/2024

• Berkshire Eagle, 8/24/24

On August 20, 2024, North Adams City Councilor Andrew Fitch will embark on his third annual long-distance summer vacation adventure and fundraiser. This year, he will raise money for the Hoosic River Revival organization. Fitch will kayak all navigable portions of the river from the Cheshire Reservoir to the mouth of the Hoosic, where it flows into the Hudson River, over the course of five days. Following two years of fundraising treks across the state, he is no novice to our region's  diverse landscapes, winding roads, and welcoming communities. “Embarking on another great Massachusetts adventure, I'm so excited to be mixing it up this year. I'll be tapping into my love for the waterways in my own backyard and flowing along with the Hoosic, “ Fitch exclaims, excited to experience the state by kayak this year. 

Last year, Fitch walked across the state from the borders of Connecticut to Vermont and back to North Adams, raising $6,200 for ROOTS Teen Center, a nonprofit organization which provides a safe, fun and educational space for teens of the Northern Berkshires. In 2022, he walked across the state from Williamstown to Provincetown, and raised over $5,000 for the National Network of Abortion funds. This year, he has decided to raise funds for the Hoosic River Revival, donating $40 for his 40th birthday (August 20th) and $1 for every mile kayaked on this 70 mile journey. Fitch hopes the greater community will match his contributions and aid in fundraising for this vital organization

“Hoosic River Revival is a nonprofit which works to rehabilitate North Adams flood chutes with a modern flood risk mitigation system. This project also hopes to revitalize the surrounding areas and create a system that will ensure the city has a healthy, attractive river with an array of public, riverfront places and greenways that will promote relaxation, recreation, economic development, and community connections”, said Judy Grinnell, Founder and Board Member of Hoosic River Revival. 

Fitch welcomes friends, family and the local community to follow his trip on social media (@fitchaj on Instagram and Andrew Fitch on Facebook.) He will highlight each day's progress with facts and live photos, encouraging awareness, information and support for the improvement of this important waterway. 

“The revitalization of the Hoosic river provides an enormous opportunity for North Adams and the communities along its shores for safety, economic opportunity, and the beautification of a vital asset. I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday than supporting and fundraising for an initiative so important to the Northern Berkshires”, says Fitch, on the eve of his trip. 

To make a donation, or to learn more about the route, visit the fundraiser’s PayPal page. And follow along on social media (@fitchaj on Instagram and Andrew Fitch on Facebook)!

To view the planned route (weather and navigation-depending), visit this link.