The Dragon Boats won’t be racing on the Wabigoon River this year but the generosity of the community never ends.
Dryden Rotary has made a $5,000 donation on behalf of the Kinsmen Club for the Still Me program at the Dryden Regional Health Centre.
Rotary member Mardi Plomp says it’s important to keep the fundraising for the critical cancer care program going.
“Alvin Saville who founded the Dragon Boat idea because his daughter Margaret had cancer 15 years ago. We thank him very much for the great idea and all the money that has been raised so far for the hospital.”
Plomp says the $5,000 is in memory of Margaret, who was a Rotary member and passed on from cancer.
The races have been a Canada Day tradition for the past 15 years but won’t be held this year because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Plomp says “We’re hoping that the other businesses and groups that have always taken part in the Dragon Boats and the people that have come to enjoy and watch the race would think of giving towards this so special cause.”
Dryden Kinsmen member Brad Coles says “Due to the situation that we are in with COVID we had to cancel it. And we we’re kind of concerned on how we would fund the program. Rotary has come through to at least give us some money towards the Still Me to keep it going for this year.”
Coles adds “Anybody who can contribute or can help out. That’s the people that have helped us out throughout the last 15 years doing the event. If it wasn’t for the sponsors, the teams, the participants and the people behind the scenes, we wouldn’t be able to put on the event.”
Timbermax, a regular participant on race day, has made a $1,000 donation.
Still Me was created from the concept that if a person living with cancer can be helped to look good, their improved self image will help them to approach cancer and it’s treatment with greater confidence.
To hear more from Mardi Plomp and Brad Coles, visit the Audio link below.
Dryden Rotary steps up to support our Oncology Department with a $5000.00 donation. The annual Dragon Boat race cancellation left the Dryden Kinsmen unable to meet their annual donor goals for your hospital. That’s what community is all about right there. pic.twitter.com/egde9Yi3Zn
— Dryden Regional Health Centre (@DrydenRegional) June 15, 2020
