The Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation (ODBF) is proud to announce the results of its 2025 ODBF Pledge Challenge, presented during the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, held June 20–22 at Mooney’s Bay. This year’s summer campaign generated an outstanding CA$275,795.90 in pledges and donations, uniting paddlers, volunteers, sponsors and donors in support of vital community programs.
Benefiting Seven Distinguished Local Charities
Building on its tradition of community support, the ODBF Pledge Challenge fundraising efforts will benefit five incredible organizations; Bruyère Health Foundation, Matthew House Ottawa, Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa, Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, Youth Services Bureau, as well as two emerging initiatives Unbroken Recovery – One Rep at a Time, and Bereaved Families of Ontario – Ottawa Chapter.
Additional donations have been made to support WCPD Foundation, Help our Students and St. John Ambulance.
Top Fundraising Teams
ODBF congratulates the the ODBF Pledge Challenge Champions who are leading the pack in fundraising efforts:
- Draggin’ Docs – CA$48,399.15
- Fleet of Foote Jetsam – CA$33,507.49
- Chinatown Showboat – CA$18,051.63
These teams exemplified commitment and teamwork both on and off the water, leading the charge for charitable giving.
Top Individual Fundraisers
This year’s top individual fundraisers were:
- Christopher Cline – CA$11,839.58
- Radka Lenz – CA$6,193.88
- Lisa Rosenkrantz – CA$6,117.11
Their extraordinary efforts inspired others to get involved and give generously.
Ongoing Impact
Since its inception, ODBF’s fundraising initiatives—including the annual Pledge Challenge and winter Shiver ’n Giver campaign—have raised over CA$5.7 million in support of more than 80 local charities. This year’s total continues the foundation’s powerful legacy of local impact through sport and community collaboration.
Quotes
“We’re incredibly proud of our fundraisers and donors for going above and beyond to support the community.” said Shelley Freake-Smyth, ODBF Director – Fundraising & Sport
“Together we truly do make a difference in our community,” said Antony Cooper, ODBF Director – Operations | Marketing | Sponsorship | Artistic Programming, praising the collective spirit that made this year’s campaign such a success.
About the ODBF Pledge Challenge
The ODBF Pledge Challenge is a core part of the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival. It mobilizes teams and individuals to raise funds for local charities while celebrating the spirit of competition and community.
About the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation
The Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation is committed to fostering positive change by supporting local charities through fundraising events. Since 2003, ODBF has been helping to build a healthier, more connected Ottawa.
