NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A city councilor is paddling his way up the Hoosic River to raise funds for the Hoosic River Revival.

 

Andrew Fitch took the waters on Tuesday for his third annual long-distance summer vacation adventure and fundraiser. Last year, he walked 75 miles over five days between North Canaan, Conn., and Stamford, Vt..

 

This year, Fitch is kayaking navigable portions of the river from the Cheshire Reservoir to the mouth of the Hoosic, where it flows into the Hudson River in Stillwater, N.Y., over the course of five days and 70 miles.

 

He will be assisted by his boyfriend, Laurence Wilson, and several Hoosic River Revival board members with carrying his kayak over the many dams, flood chutes, and other obstructions along the river. 

 

Following two years of fundraising treks across the state, he says he is no novice to the 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," Fitch said in a statement. "I'll be tapping into my love for the waterways in my own back yard and flowing along with the Hoosic."

 

His walk last year raised $6,200 for Roots Teen Center in North Adams; in 2022, he walked across the state from Williamstown to Provincetown, and raised more than $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 (Aug. 20) 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 organization

 

"Hoosic River Revival is a nonprofit which works to rehabilitate North Adams flood chutes with a modern flood risk mitigation system," said Judith Grinnell, found and board member of the Revival. "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."

 

Fitch welcomes friends, family and the local community to follow his trip on social media. He is highlighting 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," he said. 

 

To make a donation to this campaign, visit this link. Follow along on Facebook  and Instagram at @fitchaj.

 

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