The Third Annual Dragon Flies Dragon Boat Festival saw pink carnations thrown into the water in memory of those who have died of breast cancer and in honour of those who survived. Eighteen Durham College faculty and staff members participated in the event, which raised more than $132,000 for the battle against breast cancer.
"And here comes Durham College! It looks like success really does matter!" yelled the announcer as the Durham College dragon boat team pulled together to reach the finish line at the Third Annual Dragon Flies Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, June 23.
A team of 18 faculty and staff from the college competed in the race, which was organized to support the battle against breast cancer and raise money for the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre in Oshawa, Lakeridge Health Port Perry, Uxbridge Cottage Hospital, and Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay.
"We did not win, but we conquered; we did not know each other but we bonded; we did not cure breast cancer, but we made a difference," said Elizabeth Waudby, a receptionist at the Oshawa Community Employment Resource Centre and a member of the Durham College team.
It was the college's first ever dragon boat race and the day was a huge success, raising more than $132,000. Roughly 90 volunteers dedicated their time, many local businesses donated services or products and thousands of people participated in the festival, including paddlers, drummers, steerpersons, friends and family.
"It was a great cause, a great day, and we did ourselves and Durham College proud," said Rick Kerr, a professor with the School of Justice.
As part of the festivities, a celebration was held for breast cancer survivors and to remember those who died from the disease. Pink carnations were thrown into the water, symbolizing the food wrapped in lotus leaves. Doves were also released.
Dragon boat racing commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a royal advisor who took his own life by drowning when his king was killed by his enemies 2,000 years ago. To keep the fish from eating the popular poet's body resting at the bottom of the river, the people raced dragon boats and sounded drums. Food was wrapped in lotus leaves and thrown to feed the spirit of Yuan.