Community Investment and Initiatives

Dragon Boat BC believes strongly in community. As a non-profit organization founded in 1989, we believe strongly in community investment. That’s why we invest hundreds of thousands of dollars annually into our youth programs, youth hiring, All Access programs, and accessibility infrastructure through grants, subsidies, and waived fees. Through a range of projects that promote inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility, we actively work to make the community around us a better place.

Featured Community Investment Programs

Community Programming

Working with our community partners during the pandemic, we welcomed hundreds of participants to the water to experience paddling in dragon boats and kayaks for free or at heavily subsidized rates. While the focus rightly was on the immediate impacts of COVID on hospital capacities, preventing infectious spread, and keeping our community healthy, we worked with organizations like the Hua Foundation, Carnegie Community Centre/Youth Collaborative for Chinatown, organizations serving local Indigenous and Black communities, and those serving youth in need to provide valuable safe recreation opportunities.

The pilot programs in 2020 and 2021 were a success, and we look forward to expanding these partnerships in coming years through our kayak and dragon boat fleets. We invite organizations wishing to get more info to email info@dragonboatbc.ca.

Safety and Wellness Community Investment

The Society is working on launching a new program to promote safety and wellness in the paddling community, with targeted investments to increase trained first aid responders, provide access to first aid kits and equipment like AEDs, strengthen team operation guidelines, and promote NCCP Safe Sport protocols. This work is preliminary in 2022, and expected to launch in late 2022/early 2023, and is funded entirely by the Society.

Youth and Accessibility Programming

We invest heavily in our youth and accessibility paddling programs; Junior, 24U, and accessibility dragon boat teams are subsidized to encourage participation in our community regardless of ability. Our marquee event, the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival is free for Junior teams, and discounted for 24U and accessibility teams, and all of our other races and year-round programs are subsidized for Junior, 24U, and accessibility teams and individuals. This allows us to deliver a direct benefit to our community while also creating a stable foundation for the sport’s growth.

In addition, we allocate a set number of slots a week in our Summer Paddling Camps for low-income families and at-risk youth to have their paddlers get out on the water and have fun, and build friendships.

Our Youth Programs are funded through the Society’s Milton K. Wong Legacy Project and through our funding partners. This supports community centres, schools, and other groups by creating stepping stones for youth to be part of a team and community.

Employment Training Programs

Our research and development programs delivered positive benefits for the paddling community, while also creating opportunities for individuals to learn new skills and embark on new career paths. These projects were supported by the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia.

Community Paddling Days

In line with our accessibility mandate, we open our docks to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability for a free day of activity on the water 3 times a year. Visitors get the chance to try out dragon boating or kayaking for free, while also raising money for the Milton K. Wong Legacy Project, funding youth and All Access programs. Visit dragonzone.ca/community for more information.

All Access Cup

Teams that engage and include individuals of different abilities and backgrounds race for glory, and to raise funds for their charities and causes race during the All Access Cup, kicking off North America’s biggest dragon boat festival each year. The All Access Cup program administered by Dragon Boat BC through the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival provides marketing, financial, and programming support to different charities in a unique twist on a typical charity fundraising drive.

In its inaugural year in 2017, the All Access Cup and corollary programs raised close to $100,000 for 8 different charities around the Lower Mainland. Applications to be a participating charity in the All Access Cup open in fall each year. Find out more at concorddragonboatfestival.ca/friday.