(L-R Back – John Brooman, Sandy Foote, Judy Stillwell, Shona Fleming, Janice Barresi. L-R Front – Maureen Moloughney, Desiree Rapoch, Nathalie Maione; Isobel Bisby, Brenda Reisch.)

The Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation has committed $700,000 to five local charities.  Foundation and Festival CEO, John Brooman, says, “We are pleased to announce our commitments to Children at Risk, Ottawa; Heartwood House; Helping with Furniture; Shepherds of Good Hope and; Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa as our recipients and partners for the 2014-15 seasons. This support will provide funding for programming for homeless youth, a summer day camp for autistic children, furnishing homes for those in need, a facility supporting 18 grass root charities, and, helping men transition from the streets to the workplace.

Foundation past chair, Sandy Foote says “Our selection committee and board are excited to present this excellent mix of charities that provide direct support to our community. We look forward to telling our paddling community and supporters more about the programs being funded by their work”.

According to Brooman, the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is the largest free festival and festival fundraiser in the National Capital Region. “As I joined the organization 10 years ago, the charitable Foundation was being created, thanks to generous support of paddlers and donors.” Foote adds, “Everyone can support these charities through our on-site Silent Auction, the Tiki Beach Gala, and other onsite opportunities  or through donations which may be made on-line or in-office year ‘round. Any additional funds we raise beyond our $700,000 will also go back to these five charities.”

Please contact sfreake@dragonboat.net with any questions.

-30-