ELKTON, Maryland (WJZ) – A father and son embark on a 200-mile kayak trip through Chesapeake Bay to raise funds for families hit hard by the pandemic.

On a hot summer morning, Hearly Mayr and her son Andreas loaded their kayaks and launched them in Elkton to embark on a long trip to Chesapeake Bay.

READ MORE: ‘I’m going to suffocate you. I will kill you.’ Baltimore police officer, sergeant charged with violent arrest of teenager; Officials are not yet releasing body-worn camera footage

“We want to paddle at Elk River Park at the northern tip of Chesapeake Bay all the way down, 200 miles, 12 days,” Hearly Mayr said.

This father-son duo just set off on a 200 mile kayak trip in the Chesapeake Bay! They are raising funds for starving families who have been hit hard by the pandemic @wjz pic.twitter.com/Klsx3ov1KS

– Stetson Miller (@stetsonmreports) July 16, 2021

The heat wasn’t going to stop the duo from going on a trip, which they called the Bay 200 Challenge. They are doing this to raise funds for people who are in dire need of food because of the coronavirus pandemic.

READ MORE: As coronavirus cases rise, experts say take precautions, but don’t panic

“We support the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, a Maryland-based non-profit organization. They are doing a tremendous job helping families around the world, especially with the problem of hunger, ”Hearly said.

On their journey, they will paddle the bay and make stops at towns and beaches in Maryland and Virginia and travel to Smith Island, where the Chesapeake meets the Atlantic Ocean.

“I’m pretty excited. I think it’s going to be fun and we’re going to spend a lot of time together bonding, ”said Andreas.

Every dollar donated to the Hunger Campaign will be matched with an additional $ 2. The duo hope their efforts will encourage people to donate so they can help the group reach their goal of raising $ 3 million by the end of July.

“It’s a good cause because a lot of people are hungry and I think we have to help them,” Andreas said.

Those interested can follow them throughout their journey on social media by searching for the hashtag # bay200challenge.

NO MORE NEWS: Maryland Weather: Flash flood watches issued for areas of the region

To learn more or to donate today, visit www.ADRA.org/bay200challenge/give.