A fun day at the beach that also supports youth mental health? Sign me up!
Surrey Hospitals Foundation’s annual Champion of the Crescent fundraiser for youth mental health services hits the water July 22.
Hosted in Blackie Spit Park, Champion of the Crescent is B.C.’s only annual charity stand-up paddle board event in support of youth mental health programs. With the goal of raising $350,000, proceeds fund important youth programs at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
“It’s a great event,” says David McFarlane, Chief Operating Officer of the event’s Presenting Sponsor, EllisDon. “We’ve got great sponsors and support, and it all goes towards the great cause of providing mental health for the youth in our community. As the founder of this event and on behalf of EllisDon, we hope everyone in the community can get involved.”
With one in five young people developing mental illness in Canada – an experience only amplified over the pandemic – the funds raised at the Champion of the Crescent are vital.
Proceeds will help support music, art and recreation therapy as well as a transition team helping youth build connections as they adjust from hospital care back home or to community care.
Beyond resources to support specific youth mental health initiatives, events like Champion of the Crescent also raise awareness, and reinforce the power of family, friends and community, helping young people realize they’re not alone.
Paddle the Crescent this summer
Ready to stand up for youth mental health?
Paddlers of all levels are encouraged to join the fun! Teams of four paddlers will compete in water relays for a chance to win the coveted Champion of the Crescent trophy.
Registration is $3,000 per team of four. Individual paddlers can also register and will be matched up with three others to form a team.
Each team receives:
- Paddle board orientation before the race
- Paddles and boards provided during the race
- A provided 10’x10’ team tent for the day
- Access to games in the Fun Zone
- Lunch and beverages
- Awards including 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, as well as the Sea Turtle Cup, the Above and Beyond prize, Best Team Costume and Best Decorated Team Tent
And even if you can’t paddle, there’s plenty of opportunity to support youth in our community. Donate to support a team or paddler today, or make a general donation to the fundraiser.
Learn more and register today at championofthecrescent.com