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January 21, 2020

Thieves attempt to steal Dragon Boat BC’s good fortune

VANCOUVER, BC – Dragon Boat BC, the operator of Dragon Zone Paddling Club and organizer of Vancouver’s iconic Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival had their office in Olympic Village broken into Sunday night. Computers, ceremonial drums and paddles, an office safe, and files of no direct value outside of the organization were taken. Thousands of lucky red envelopes stuffed with prizes destined for Lunar New Year community events this weekend were also taken.

“We are upset at the theft of computer equipment, but more importantly, the items that wouldn’t have a monetary value to the thieves,” explained Alexis Gall, General Manager of Dragon Boat BC. “As a not-for-profit organization, it’s disappointing to lose the significant time and efforts from our staff and volunteers.”

Dragon Boat BC’s losses will be partially covered by their insurance, but a significant amount of labour will be required to bring things back to the same state of operation. Thanks to the help of volunteers and the paddling community, Dragon Boat BC is working to replace the stuffed red envelopes to ensure that this weekend’s Year of the Rat celebrations are a success at the International Village celebration in Vancouver Chinatown.

“With the help from our volunteers, we bring the spirit of dragon boat to our community year-round. We wouldn’t be able to serve the community to the same extent without them,” explained Alexis Gall.

Interested in volunteering with the Society? Please email info@dragonboatbc.ca. For information on Dragon Boat BC’s New Year Celebrations, visit www.dragonzone.ca/community.

About the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society
Community, culture and competition, all in one boat, the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society (dba Dragon Boat BC) is the non-profit operator of North America’s flagship dragon boat festival – the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival, and runs Dragon Zone Paddling Club – Canada’s largest paddling club. Through their All Access and youth programs, supported by the Milton K. Wong Legacy Project, the Society makes the sport accessible regardless of barriers to participation.

Media Contacts

Ross Sullivan, Peak Communicators
Email: ross@peakco.com
Office: 604 689 5559
Mobile: 604 802 7139

Logan Findlay, Peak Communicators
Email: logan@peakco.com
Office: 604 689 5559
Mobile: 604 440 8999

Dragon Boat BC Main Office
Email: info@dragonboatbc.ca
Office: 604 688 2382

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