As a community sporting club, Pacific Dragons feel it is important to play a role in supporting our community, whether it be local, state, national or international.
At the beginning of our 2008/2009 Season, we decided to formalise our support of charities. Our club members chose to donate 10% of club fundraising money each paddling season to a charity which would be voted on at the beginning of each season. In addition we are involved in a number of initiatives throughout the season in support of various charities and causes.
2014/2015
beyondblue works to reduce the impact of anxiety, depression and suicide in the community by raising awareness and understanding, empowering people to seek help, and supporting recovery, management and resilience.
2013/2014
Australian Marine Conservation Society
The Australian Marine Conservation Society is Australia’s only national charity dedicated exclusively to protecting ocean wildlife and their homes.
PD paddlers took on the challenge of the 111km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, where money raised goes to the Arrow Bone Marrow Foundation.
2011/2012 and 2012/2013
Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit, educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility offering specialist expertise in depression and bipolar disorder.
PD paddlers took on the challenge of the 111km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, where money raised goes to the Arrow Bone Marrow Foundation.
2010/2011
Sutherland Shire Cancer Support Group
PD paddlers took on the challenge of the 111km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, where money raised goes to the Arrow Bone Marrow Foundation.
This is an excellent charity, providing shoes for those that need them. Thanks to the dragon boat community, we collected 24 pairs of shoes for this cause.
Here is a link to a video which explains the work of this charity. http://au.sports.yahoo.com/banzai/adventure/videos/watch/24608639/
2009/2010
Sutherland Shire Cancer Support Group
This was a very special choice of charity support for our club members, one very close to our hearts. We lost a member of our PD family on 30 June 2009, Jenny Pettersen, to cancer. The Sutherland Shire Cancer Support Group added to her wonderful support system to help her live with her cancer and also allowed her to provide support to others in the same situation. During the season we raised a total of ? through the sale of orange wristbands with a quote from Jenny “Don’t wonder what if?” and 10% of our fundraising monies for the season.
To read the PD’s tribute to this inspiring woman, please click here
Clean Up Australia DayIn March 2010, a group of PD’s joined forces with local firefighters from Glebe to clean up Blackwattle Bay, our regular training ground.
Through our paddlers participation in the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic we raised just over $4,000 for the Arrow Bone Marrow Foundation and other charities.
2008/2009
Oasis Youth Support Network
Oasis Youth Support Network gives homeless and disadvantaged young people hope, help and opportunities to access relevant education, training, jobs, counseling, and drug/alcohol programs. Our club raised $589 to go towards helping OYSN continue its fabulous support. Here is the letter thanking our group for their support.