ONE TEAM, ONE MISSION, ONE ERG: ONE MILLION METRES
ROW TO GROW
A WORLD RECORD MILLION METRES FOR A BETTER WORLD
March 26-29, 2026
ABOUT US
Row to Grow is a team fundraiser and challenge organized by the Heavyweight Women’s Rowing Team at Western University in London Ontario, Canada. The challenge is to be the first team of 10 women ever to row 1,000,000 non-stop metres on one row-erg. Our goal is to raise money to plant trees and support other local charities that align with our values and hopes for a better world. The charities we’ve chosen to support are Tree Canada, Alzheimer Society Canada, The London and Middlesex Humane Society, and Anova Women’s Shelter in London.
Our team is special because of how much we love each-other and our sport. We feel incredibly lucky to get up every morning and do what we love with our favourite people in the world. Our team is grateful to be in a position where we can use our passion for rowing to make a difference. We are grateful to our coaches, teammates, and to Western University for the support we have received to make this happen.
Row to Grow is in an effort to make the world a better place, not only by planting trees and supporting people and animals in need, but by empowering strong women to take action for causes they care about and inspiring them to use their voice and strength for good by doing what they love.
HOW far is one million metres?
A million metres is a thousand kilometres. It's the distance from Toronto to New York City. Or from London, UK to Paris, France. Or from Rome, Italy to Barcelona, Spain. Or from Los Angeles to Mexico City. Or from Berlin, Germany to Prague, Czech Republic. Or from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia. Or from Dubai, UAE to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. You get the idea. It's kind of a lot. Especially when you're rowing.
Meet the Team
Our team is composed of many athletes from the Western Women's Rowing team, known for their strength and determination.
Meet the BIG DAWGS !!
Leader/Organizer
Kya Mason-Wetherill
Hey! I’m a third-year student at Western studying Climate Change and Society as a double degree with Governance, Leadership, and Ethics. I have been rowing for two years now and am so grateful for this team and my wonderful friends. It means everything to me to work on a project like this with them. I’m lucky to be surrounded by people who are just as excited to do big, crazy things as I am— none of this would be possible without my team. I am passionate about climate change action and am incredibly excited to support the planting of thousands of trees, along with other important causes.
Thank you in advance for your support! :)
Logistics/Food
Kira Mels-Williams
Hey there! I'm a third-year student at Western and I’m beyond excited to be part of the incredible Western Rowing team—this journey is one I’ll carry with me forever! I’m also stoked to be involved in this amazing fundraiser, which perfectly blends two of my biggest passions: sports and nature. As an Environmental Science major, I’m all about protecting our planet. I know how vital trees and healthy ecosystems are—not just for wildlife, but for us, too!
Event Planning
Dani Hart
Hi everyone! My name’s Dani and I’m a second year HSP Neuroscience student. I’ve been on the Western rowing team for one year of novice and one year of varsity! Before rowing, I was a competitive swimmer.
I’m the captain of the event planning team for RTG! I’m passionate about this project because of all the important charities we are fundraising for.
Athlete
Nadia Junyk
I’m Nadia, a third-year student at Western University and a member of the Heavyweight Women’s Rowing Team. Coming in as a recruit in my first year, rowing quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of my university experience, pushing me to grow through challenges alongside an incredible group of teammates. Row to Grow is a chance for us to channel that same dedication into something bigger than ourselves. I’m proud to be part of a team rowing one million metres together while raising funds for causes that make a real difference in our community
Marketing/Social Media
Liv Calbeck
Hi everyone! My name is Liv, and I am finishing up my undergrad in Medical sciences. I started rowing as a novice 5 years ago and spent 4 years on varsity. I also got the opportunity to race for Canada last year at FISU! Rowing shaped my university experience more than I could have ever imagined, and I’ve met my lifelong friends on this team. I cannot WAIT to be a part of such an inspiring project with my favourite people.
Tech
Elaine Liding
Hi! I’m a third-year Medical Science student at Western doing a double major in IMS and Medical Cell Biology. This is only my first year on the Western Rowing team, but I’ve loved every second of it! I’m so excited to be apart of this project and help take care of our earth and the people in our community!
Food
Ella Gemin
Hey! I’m a second-year student at Western studying general science. I’ve been rowing for three years and I am so lucky to be a part of an immensely supportive team. I can’t wait to take on this challenge with my friends and teammates. I’m passionate about our environment, as well as helping women in need!
Fundraising
Caitlin Shouldice
Hi! I'm a first year student at Western studying Medical Science. This is my fifth year of rowing, and I'm beyond excited to be involved in Row to Grow with so many amazing athletes. I'm so lucky to be a part of Western's amazing rowing community. The commitment, dedication and perseverance of every member creates a training environment that is unmatched. I am thrilled to share our community with the organizations we are striving to support through this fundraiser. Thank you for your support!
Athlete
Sydney McArthur
Hi! I’m a second-year student at Western University studying Health Sciences with a minor in Microbiology and Immunology. I joined rowing in my first year and it has quickly become one of the most meaningful parts of my university experience. Being part of the Western rowing team has introduced me to an incredible community of athletes who support one another both on and off the water. I’m constantly motivated by the dedication and perseverance that everyone on the team brings to training every day. Being involved in Row to Grow is especially meaningful because it allows us to combine our passion for rowing with giving back to the community. I’m so excited to be working alongside such an amazing group of athletes while supporting organizations that make a real difference. Thank you so much for supporting our team!
Fundraising
Cam Spivak
Hello! I’m in my third year of Kinesiology at Western. I’ve been rowing for a year and a half and came out of the novice program with a lot of these girls. I am so lucky to be a part of a team where we are continuously growing and learning from each other. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of strong women to do this project with. I am passionate about the Alzheimer Society Canada because I know first hand how devastating this disease can be for an individual. Love you gramps.
Tech Support and Facilities
Western Mustangs
Western is acting as a sponsor, providing us the use of our rowing facility and equipment, as well as providing technological and organizational contributions to our project. Thank you Western for your support!
Fundraising
Arwyn Gouadec
Hi! I’m Arwyn and I’m a first-year Medical Science student. This is my first year as a novice on the Western rowing team and I have enjoyed every second of it! Before university, I was a competitive hockey player.
I’m currently the Co-captain of the fundraising team for RTG and I’m so excited to take on this role. I’m really passionate about this project and truly believe in the power of sport to bring people together and support so many important causes.