The Whale Foundation
Grand Canyon boatmen face unusual challenges in this life unlike most others. They are in a job that is desired by many and held by few. There is an incredible closeness to the boatman community that is coupled with competition for jobs. There is pride in the experience you bring to the job, but as the boatman population ages there is the worry that anything less than stoicism may result in the loss of one’s job to one of the younger generation waiting in line. This is a job where benefit plans are incredibly rare and pension plans practically nonexistent. Many boatmen live a hand-to-mouth existence that peaks in the summer and scrapes by in those long, lean winter months. There is always the worry of “What do I do when I get too old to guide?” The Whale Foundation hopes to address some of these unique problems faced by the river community.
The goals of the foundation include but are not limited to the following:
• Mental Health Services—Providing information and anonymous
services to anyone in the boating community. If you need help, call toll
free 866-773-0773. All calls are confidential.
• Career Counseling Network—Establish a network in the boating
community to assist each other in any career endeavors
• Financial Planning Network—Utilize the expertise of the
boating community to assist in retirement planning and general investing
for the future.
There are two ways that folks can help us achieve our goals:
• Financial Donation—Of course, the Whale Foundation needs
money in order to realize its goals. Our 501(c)(3) tax exempt status had
been approved by the irs. Therefore, donations made to the Whale Foundation
are tax deductible. If you would like to make a difference in the river
community by making a donation to the Whale Foundation you can send it
to:
The Whale Foundation
7890 S. Ave Bonita, Tucson, AZ 85747
• Donation of Services—We are looking for professionals, preferably
in Northern Arizona and southern Utah and Colorado, who are willing to
donate services in any of the following areas: Mental Health Services/Counseling,
Drug and Alcohol Counseling/Rehabilitation, Financial Planning Services,
Career Counseling Services.
If you have any questions about the Whale Foundation Check Out the Whale
Foundation Online at: www.Whalefoundation.org. If you would like to use
the our services, leave a message on the toll free, Boatman Help Line
at 866-773-0773.
Thanks to everyone for there continued support of the Whale Foundation.
The strength we share is the strength we have within this community. It
is important to understand that although we are individuals we are not
alone…
