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Community continues paddler Gordon Grivas’ Cook Islands charity legacy

Friends of a man who tragically died after being struck by a car in Yungaburra are banding together to follow his legacy of charity.

Gordon Grivas "Yotsie" and friend Kylie Young taking supplies to a school on Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Photo: GoFundMe
Gordon Grivas "Yotsie" and friend Kylie Young taking supplies to a school on Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Photo: GoFundMe

Friends of a man who tragically died after being struck by a car in Yungaburra are banding together to follow his legacy of charity.

Cook Islands is a paddling Mecca for many outrigger canoe paddlers in Australia and for many years Gordon Grivas also known as “Yotsie”, who was tragically killed by an out-of-control car in Yungaburra on October 31, would travel to the beautiful islands loaded up not only with his paddle, but also supplies for kids and animals in need.

Now after his death his friends in the paddling community are “walking the walk for Yotsie”.

Longtime friend Kylie Young has set up a GoFundMe page aiming to raise $5000 for supplies for schools in the islands.

“My beautiful friend Yotsie was tragically killed a short time ago,” Ms Young said.

“A true gentleman, friend, living life to it’s fullest and reminding others to do the same … “Life is not a take two, or dress rehearsal … we need to remind ourselves to live in the ‘now’”, he’d say.

Gordon Grivas, 76, was tragically killed when he was struck by a vehicle that left the road in Yungaburra in Far North Queensland. Photo: Facebook
Gordon Grivas, 76, was tragically killed when he was struck by a vehicle that left the road in Yungaburra in Far North Queensland. Photo: Facebook

Ms Young said she and Yotsie spend many years in the Cook Islands paddling together and taking supplies to kids and animals in need.

“While trying to find clarity about taking four days to attend his funeral up north, just days before I leave for Cooks again, I got the reminder and peace about what Yots would want me to do,” she said.

“To honour him, I’m going to spend those four days, rallying to get as many supplies together that I can, to take over for kids in the Cook Islands.”

In an update Ms Young said the shopping had already begun with $125 raised so far.

“Thank you so much for donations to bring a smile to the dials of kids in the Cook Islands,” she said.

“I know Yotsie would be thrilled that so many people, some who didn’t even know him personally, are reaching out to help these kids. Something he always did when visiting each year.

“Yots loved helping everyone out, especially kids, so if you would like to walk the walk with me to honour our dear friend, feel free to donate.”

A funeral service for Mr Grivas was held on Friday, November 15 in Atherton.

You can donate to the fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/walk-the-walk-for-yots-yotsie-gordo?cdn-cache=0

dylan.nicholson@news.com.au

Originally published as Community continues paddler Gordon Grivas’ Cook Islands charity legacy

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/cairns/community-continues-paddler-gordon-grivas-cook-islands-charity-legacy/news-story/201ab2c17c82b1155b7e944a9fc8af4e