Return good fortune to our paddling community

VANCOUVER, BC – Dragon Boat BC, the operator of Dragon Zone Paddling Club and organizer of Vancouver’s iconic Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival had their office in Olympic Village broken into Sunday night. Computers, ceremonial drums and paddles, an office safe, and files of no direct value outside of the organization were taken. Thousands of lucky red envelopes stuffed with prizes destined for Lunar New Year community events this weekend were also taken.

“We are upset at the theft of computer equipment, but more importantly, the items that wouldn’t have a monetary value to the thieves,” explained Alexis Gall, General Manager of Dragon Boat BC. “As a not-for-profit organization, it’s disappointing to lose the significant time and efforts from our staff and volunteers.”

Dragon Boat BC’s losses will be partially covered by their insurance, but a significant amount of labour will be required to bring things back to the same state of operation. Thanks to the help of volunteers and the paddling community, Dragon Boat BC is working to replace the stuffed red envelopes to ensure that this weekend’s Year of the Rat celebrations are a success at the International Village celebration in Vancouver Chinatown.

“With the help from our volunteers, we bring the spirit of dragon boat to our community year-round. We wouldn’t be able to serve the community to the same extent without them,” explained Alexis Gall.

Interested in volunteering with the Society? Please email [email redacted]. For information on Dragon Boat BC’s New Year Celebrations, visit www.dragonzone.ca/community.