The paddles hit the water, brightly coloured boats cut across the course, and people from across Montreal gathered in Lachine on Saturday for a day of racing, remembrance and fundraising.
The BDO Cedars CanSupport Dragon Boat Race marked its 21st edition, bringing together 24 teams and nearly 1,000 people for the city’s first and biggest dragon boat festival fundraising event.
“They come, they get a breakfast, a lunch, a t-shirt, they train, they get on the water with a life jacket, a paddle, and they go out and they do a 250-meter race,” said president and CEO of the Cedars Cancer Foundation Jeff J. Shamie.
“It’s quite amazing and it’s camaraderie, it’s team building, and it’s all for a cause,” he added.
A fundraiser with a purpose
The annual race served as the primary fundraiser for Cedars CanSupport, a program at the Cedars Cancer Center that has provided free psychological, emotional, practical and financial support to MUHC cancer patients and their families for more than 35 years.
Teams of 20 paddlers were challenged to raise at least $20,000 while taking part in the dragon boat races.
“It’s incredible! We’ve raised so far $540,000 in counting, trying to hit $600,000,” Shamie exclaimed.
All proceeds from the event went directly to Cedars CanSupport, helping fund programs and services aimed at improving the quality of life of cancer patients and their families.
A moment of remembrance on the water
The day also included a commemorative ceremony.
Cancer survivor teams placed flowers on the water in memory of loved ones who lost their battle with cancer, adding a moment of reflection to an otherwise energetic festival.
The event brought together participants to enjoy the competition while supporting people and families facing the challenges of cancer.
“Everyone’s been touched, they know a loved one, a family, a friend who’s been touched by cancer and they want to give back, and this is a way to give back and to do something that’s a sportive, participatory and great exercise to help those in need,” Shamie said, adding he’s grateful for the incredible support this year’s event received.
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