• 2010 Events in Review
• 2009 Events in Review

2011 Schedule of Events

The Strength and Fitness Training began in January ( view ) as the Warriors worked to remain healthy through exercise. Following a program designed for paddling ( view ) but beneficial for all breast cancer survivors, the Warriors used the weight training equipment at West Ferris Secondary ( view ) once a week from January through April. The evening session ends with the ‘plank’ (view ), a true test of fitness and strength!

The Warriors held their Annual General Meeting where special guest speaker Penny Tremblay gave an inspiring message that challenged the membership to keep working to achieve the goals of the organization as well as their own objectives in the year ahead. In March, a number of Warriors attended the ‘Gown on the Town’ event that sets the stage for the CIBC Run for the Cure later in the year.

The YMCA pool was the location for a Water Safety session on May 15. The purpose of the event was to familiarize the Warriors with what happens when a person goes into the water with their PFD in the unlikely event of a capsize. Warrior Bonnie, who has some experience with sudden dunking, demonstrated ( view ) from the side of the pool ( view ). Everyone tried it even though some of the Warriors are not comfortable with the water ( view ). The training is part of the Warriors of Hope Safety Policy as the team makes every effort to keep safety at the top of the list during training and events.

The Annual Yard was a cool and damp event this year ( view ) but dressed for the weather ( view ) the Warriors greeted bargain hunters with their usual enthusiasm. The tents helped to keep merchandise dry ( view ). Our sincere thank you to everyone who attended and especially to Paul who helped to arrange the site on Fisher Street.

Training
Training on Tuesday and Thursday evenings is normal for the team but there was a special effort to get up to speed for the Montreal Festival due in late July. A special Warrior, Tish Wilson, was in the drummer’s seat for this practice ( youtube link ) Tish, one of the original founders, was moving out of town. The Warriors paddle across trout Lake to a sheltered cove for their practice ( youtube link ). 

New Liskeard
The Warriors (and friends) travelled to New Liskeard again this year to participate in their annual Dragon Boat Festival. The team pulled ahead in their first race ( view ) and despite the cool day, were warmed up and ready for the next races. Chris and Anita prepared the carnations for the Carnation Ceremony which is always a big hit ( view ) with the other teams and spectators. In the boat there was the usual chatter before the race ( view ).

Montreal
The Team travelled to Montreal, PQ on July 22 to attend their largest ( over 240 teams) Festival. Although the Breast Cancer division numbered 8 teams, there were a large number of all-women’s teams with younger and fit women in great racing form. The weekend also proved to be one of the hottest on record and keeping cool and hydrated was a priority for everyone. The team had good form as they marshalled for the first race ( youtube link ). That good form showed in the race as well ( youtube link ) as the team posted a time of 2.32.15 over the 500 metres. In race Heat 2 ( youtube link ) the Warriors, in Boat 5, again did very well. The final result was that the Warriors of Hope took home the bronze medal for their 3rd place finish in the Breast Cancer Division.

A special treat for everyone was watching a demonstration sprint by the top five teams in the festival. While the Warriors know they can never match the stroke rate of the strong men’s team in blue, it was an inspiring show of dragon boating ( youtub link ) .

August
The Warriors travelled to Woodstock, Ontario for a dragon boat festival on August 6. The team brought home a gold medal in the Breast Cancer Survivors’ division. Posing with the winning team ( view ) is the local Scotiabank manager. Scotiabank is a proud supporter of Breast Cancer teams and it was good to have them with us for the photo op.

The Weed Warriors have nurtured their flower bed at the waterfront with great results this summer. The display of the pink petunia ribbon ( view ) attracts many people who pause and reflect on the breast cancer symbol.

The Run for the Cure is October 2 this year but the CIBC held a kick-off dinner at the Davedi Club in August. Representatives from the Warriors of Hope were in attendance and were delighted to receive a special plaque commemorating the team’s contribution of over $28,000 in donations in the past 6 years.

September
The team held their 7th annual golf tournament at Clear Springs Golf course on September 10. This is the Warriors’ main fund-raising event and it was their best ever with a full registration of 36 teams. Once again, the weather cooperated and it was a perfect day, especially for the winning team ( view ) of Doug Perry, Rob Macdonald, Wayne Gravelle and Jamie Hone ( by retrogression!). The dining tables were graced by pink carnations ( view ) donated by From the Heart flowers. A big thank you to the hole sponsors and prizes donors ( view ) who help make our tournament such a success. Coach Nikki was an excellent Emcee and a special thanks goes to the committee and team volunteers for running the tournament.

October
The Run for the Cure on October 2 was once again a very successful event in North Bay. The Warriors team collected just over $8,400 to retain their title as the top women’s fundraising team ( view ) . Warrior Sylvia Grey led the team in collecting donations for the event that funds research into a cure for breast cancer. It was a cool day so everyone in the crowd joined in the dance exercise ( view ) before the ‘Run’ began at the North Bay Waterfront.

We put ‘Jane’, our boat, into hibernation until next spring, thanks to the organization by Dave. Daylight had faded due to an unforeseen delay but we believe Bonnie held the flashlight for this simulated photo ( view )! Thanks again to the North Bay Firefighters who help turn the boat each spring and fall.

November
Instead of waiting until January 2012 a number of Warriors jumped at the chance to begin the Strength and Fitness Training early November at West Ferris Secondary. More Warriors will join the ranks to continue weekly training in January until our boat, Jane, is in the water.

The Warriors of Hope celebrated their annual Christmas party in late November this year at Average Joes. The location was especially good as the view reminded the team of the hours spent training on Trout Lake every Tuesday and Thursday. Each year the Warriors award a peer selected member the Kathy Sirrs Award. This award is based on team spirit, dedication and strength. The 2011 Kathy Sirrs Award was presented to a very well deserving Betty Burns ( view ). As in past years the party was an opportunity for the team to gather outside the boat ( view ) while they raise some money for the Santa Fund and review their past year of paddling ( view ). This year the team raised $605 which they donated to the North Bay Santa Fund in December.

December
December was a month of giving and receiving for the Warriors of Hope.

On December 4, the bravest Warriors weathered the cold and participated in the North Bay Santa Clause Parade ( view )

On December 16, the Warriors, represented by Chris, Gloria and Shelley, were at Twiggs coffee shop on the corner of Fraser and Worthington to join the EZ Rock hosts to present a cheque to the North Bay Santa Fund ( view ). Chris made the on-air announcement ( view ) that the Warriors had raised $605 at their Christmas party this year.

On December 30, Bruce Monroe and Grant Guy, representing Scotiabank, presented a cheque for $10,000 ( view ) to the Team Captain, Chris MacMillan and Paddling members of the Warriors, Lynne Allard, Elizabeth Chirico and Gloria Kelusky. We all thanked Bruce and Grant for Scotiabank’s continuing support that is so important in helping the Warriors of Hope meet their mandate of breast cancer awareness and promoting an active lifestyle after breast cancer.

2010 in Review

Spring Report:
On February 12, the team held their annual Dragon Toss fundraiser at Memorial Gardens. Organized by Lise and Dave McMillan, the event raised over $500 for the team. Thanks to everyone who worked on the Dragon Toss.

The unusually warm spring resulted in the ice coming off Trout Lake early, so the team launched Jane to begin training for their first event in Peterborough (view). The water is extremely cold, so the safety boat hovered nearby as the team introduced new members to the joy of paddling. Then it snowed (view), however the new cover kept Jane warm.

The team is taking on a new fundraiser – selling pink ‘Go Fast’ racing head covers (view), a headscarf sporting the Breast Cancer symbol of a pink ribbon. The team practised their winning hat throw (view) in preparation for the racing season. The Go Fast covers will be for sale at festivals and the Farmer’s Market.

The Weed Warriors plot at the Waterfront displayed last fall’s efforts with a ‘pink’ ribbon of tulips (view) . The Warriors will replace the tulips with flowering pink petunias as soon as the tulips have had a chance to store some bulb energy for next spring.

Warrior Merchandise:
The popular Warriors of Hope merchandise is now available for viewing on our web in the Photo Gallery Section.

Prices (2010) are: view the merchandise gallery [ more ]

• Tee Shirts - $
• Bucket Hats - $20
• Tote Bags - $20
• Magic Cloths - $16
• Pins - $3
• Grip Gloves - $8
• Coloured gloves - $6
• Work gloves - $5
• Pink ball caps, visors, toques - $10
• Garbage bags - (large / small) $3
• ‘Go-Fast’ racing head covers - $10

Watch for our sales tables at local events or call Bonnie at 472-5771.

Training:

• Dry-land training begins January 14 at West Ferris gym at 6:30 p.m.
• Warriors Ski Day: Cross country ski day at Nordic Trails on January 23
• Weekly paddle practices – Tuesday and Thursday evening at 5:45 p.m., CFB dock on Trout Lake - tentative start date is May 11, 2010

Business Items:

• The Annual General Meeting is February 18 at PHARA at 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Monique Smith, MPP.
• Safety Policy Review completed and instituted.
• Team Recruitment drive

Fundraisers:

The Annual Yard Sale held at 1350 Fisher Street (view) was an outstanding success again this year. The Warriors appreciate the support of all the bargain hunters who contributed over $2,000 in support of the team. A special thank you to the yard sale organizers (view) and workers who made the day a success.

On February 12 ( view ), the team held their annual Dragon Toss fundraiser at Memorial Gardens ( view ). Organized by Lise and Dave McMillan, the event raised over $500 for the team. The ‘Dragons’ are actually bean bags! ( view ). Thanks to everyone who worked on the Dragon Toss ( view ).

During the summer, the Warriors held a sale at the Farmer’s Market ( view ) in downtown North Bay. It was an excellent opportunity to meet the public and sell some Warriors’ merchandise (see above).

A special event this fall was the fund raiser held at the Davedi Club. Thanks to Tim Salidas and Diana for getting the dinner underway, and to Lynn for looking after the ticket sales. The food was excellent ( view ) and everyone enjoyed the evening ( view ) that featured entertainment by some of the areas very talented young people.

Festivals:

IDBF Peterborough June 11-13

The Warriors were one of seventy breast cancer survivor teams attending the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission festival. Survivors Abreast of Peterborough hosted the world-wide event that is held every four years. Teams from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, England, the United States and Canada joined in the opening parade ( view ) that travelled down George Street ( view ) to the park. The Warriors, carrying their super-size Bra ( view ) joined over 2,000 breast cancer survivors at the park ( view ) for an opening address and Mayor’s barbeque.

The City of Peterborough did itself proud by providing financial support and showing community spirit by going pink – even to the extent of painting a garbage truck! ( view ). All participants gathered at the Evinrude Centre for a banquet where the keynote speaker, Dr Don McKenzie, the force behind breast cancer survivors’ dragon boating, gave an inspiring talk. The highlight of the races was the carnation ceremony and the Warriors were fortunate to be selected to join the flotilla as a team ( view ). The large crowd that lined the shore ( view ) gasped in awe as a flock of white doves ( view ) flew over the rafted dragon boats not once but twice.

The Warriors placed 12th overall, a respectable standing in the seventy-team races that were as competitive as one might expect from survivors who have faced the dragon of breast cancer.

June 26 - New Liskeard
The Warriors attended the New Liskeard Dragonboat Festival for the second year ( view ) this year and although there were fewer teams than in 2009, the competition was lively. Spectators watched as the Warriors ( view ) did their warm up exercises ( see the Photo Gallery for more examples of warm-up exercises) prior to the afternoon races. There was one scary moment when a couple of members of one of the teams intentionally swamped their boat ( view ) causing the support boats to rush to the scene to ascertain if everyone was safe. Such horseplay is irresponsible and is discouraged since someone might be caught unawares and trapped under the dragon boat.

July 17 – North Bay
With only twelve teams competing this year at the North Bay Rotary Dragon Boat Festival, the Warriors were slotted against some formidable odds. Undeterred by size or brawn, ( view ), the Warriors worked hard against a headwind to win two trophies ( view ). Competition in the Breast Cancer Survivors race came from their friends from Peterborough, Survivors Abreast. The Warriors prevailed, but joined hands with the other team in the carnation ceremony ( view ). By some stroke of good fortune (for the bankers) the Warriors did not race against one of their major sponsors, ScotiaBank , but did pose for photos with the team ( view ).

After the races, Warrior Bonnie and her husband Lou hosted the two teams for a barbeque at their home on Trout Lake ( view ). All the participating teams deemed the Eleventh Annual festival a great success.

August 14, Wellington
The Dragon Boat races at Wellington provided a new experience for the Warriors. Arriving at the race site, the waves crashing into the shore made the team gasp ( view ), but the races were not on Lake Ontario, but in a channel between West Lake and the big water. The channel was only wide enough for two boats so the races, 200 metres, were in fact Drag races ( view ). There were 5 Breast Cancer teams at the festival and once again, the carnation ceremony was a novel and moving experience for the local attendees ( view ). The team struggled a little with their starts in the 200 metre sprints and it was not until the third race that the Warriors won the Drag race ( view ). Congratulations to the Wellington Lions club for an excellent festival – their medals are especially attractive.

September 11, 2010, 6th Annual Golf Tournament
The Warriors hosted their 6th annual golf tournament at Clear Spring Golf Course on a bright fall day - perfect weather for golf and fun. The 4-person scramble format (with the option of buying Mulligans) led to some excellent scores and the presentation of the Warriors’ Trophy ( view ). Awarding the donated prizes were two efficient Warriors, ( view ) giving time for the players to enter the raffle and 50/50draws before a delicious steak dinner. Signs for the Hole Sponsors were again donated by Seymour Graphics who also made special Hole-in-One and Long Drive signs ( view ). Team Walton struggled for pars with Dragonheart missing putt after putt ( view ). Several teams have already signed up for next year’s tournament.

Fall Review:
The Weed Warriors were busy all summer, pulling weeds, trimming the ground cover, and encouraging the petunias ( view ) that eventually grew to their full potential. The signature flowerbed is now resting, waiting for spring when the tulips will once again signal the warmer weather.

This fall the Nipissing University men’s hockey team, the Lakers, supported breast cancer awareness by running a Real Men Wear Pink campaign. Dressed in their pink jerseys ( view ) the Lakers played an exhibition game against London. Our team captain, Sherry, had the honour of dropping the ceremonial puck ( view ) to open the Lakers’ season.

On October 1, A&S Towing delivered Jane to her winter storage quarters at Bursey’s. Dave and Bill wrapped the boat ( view ) to keep her ready for next spring.

The next community event was the CIBC-sponsored Run For the Cure. Led by Warrior Lynn who gathered the most pledges of any participant ( view ), the Warriors raised the most money of any women’s team ( view ) in the event.

December 2010 Events
The Warriors had a busy December this year, beginning with their annual Christmas party. The party is an opportunity for the team to sit together at a dinner table instead of on the dragonboat seats, raise some money for the Santa Fund and review their past year of paddling. This year the team raised $542.00 which they donated to the North Bay Santa Fund ( view ) at Twiggs Cafe. Mary, Karen and Chris attended and enjoyed an early, early morning coffee.

A few days after the party, the team moved its equipment and materials storage to a new site on Bond Street. The new Team Captain, Chris MacMillan, organized a crew to ‘purge’ the items in storage ( view ) and the team gear is now organized once again.

At the Board meeting in December, the Bank of Nova Scotia again presented a cheque to team ( view ) that will ensure a busy season in 2011.

2009 in Review

January 20
Strength training began at West Ferris Secondary School at 6:30 p.m. and continued weekly until the first week in May. Under the very capable guidance of instructors Melody (view) and Mark (view) team members kept fit during the winter months. (See the photo gallery for additional photographs).

February 18
The Warriors of Hope held their Annual General Meeting in the PHARA Recreation Room at 7:00 p.m. Coffee and homemade cookies followed the AGM business and speaker Warrior Tish Wilson, who regaled members with some very interesting stories about her work in the Far North..

March 1
The Annual Dragon Toss fundraiser on Sunday March 1 at Memorial Gardens was a resounding success again. Our thanks to Warrior Lise and husband Dave who organized the event and to all the volunteers. A special vote of appreciation to the SkyHawks for their continued support of this fund-raiser for the Warriors.

May
Our dragonboat, 'Jane' was completely refurbished for the beginning of her tenth year on the water. The process began with an application for a Trillium Grant to refinish the boat, add decals and a new cover. Jane came out of the water in October 2008 (view) and then made her way to Geilser boat works in Powassan (view). Stored over winter, the firefighters turned Jane (view) so the new decals and cover could be applied. On May , a special media launch was held to kick off our 10'th season. The Ontario Trillium Foundation representative, Carol Ann Di Bartolomeo (view) brought greetings as did our MPP, Monique Smith (view). MP Anthony Rota, a strong Warrior supporter, (view) wished the team continued success on the water and Mayor Vic Fedeli reiterated the thanks given to volunteers (view). Peter Sirrs presented the /Kathy Sirrs/ award to Bonnie Marshall (view) as the team member who best represented Kathy’s spirit in 2008. A ceremonial paddle (view) ended the morning. Jane, with her new decals (view) will now be a visible reminder to everyone who sees her on Trout Lake that the Warriors of Hope are an active advocate in Breast Cancer awareness.

May 30
The second annual Yard Sale (view) was held at 1350 Fisher Street. A large quantity of goods changed hands (view ) and the Warriors wish to thank everyone who attended for the success of sale. The annual yard sale is an important fundraiser for the team.

June 14
The Warriors attended a Paddling Clinic with Mike and Andrea from Alkame Dragon Boat Service from Picton (view ). The weather was cool however, paddlers had an excellent workout (view) and refreshed their techniques.

June Relays
The Warriors of Hope attended two Relays for Life this year. Sherry young was event captain for the Trout Creek Relay while Mary Willard captained the North Bay event. Warriors placed luminaries at the events in memory of past members.

June 27
The Warriors of Hope travelled to New Liskeard this year to attend the 3rd Annual Lions Club Dragon Boat Festival (view). The Carnation Ceremony (view) was an impressive event for the many spectators who lined the waterfront. MCTV covered the event and the Warriors were delighted to give interviews and demonstrations (view), promoting breast cancer awareness and the value of dragon boating after cancer.

July 2
Weed Warriors
The North Bay waterfront has a new flowerbed in the shape of a Pink Ribbon (view). The Ribbon, the symbol of the fight against Breast Cancer, will have pink petunias in the summer and pink tulips in the spring. The wet, cool weather this year has not been to the petunias’ liking but the gardening committee of Weed Warriors are looking forward to getting a jump on the season next year.

July 18
North Bay Dragon Boat Festival
The 10th annual Dragon Boat Festival was a great success for the Warriors. Six out-of-town breast cancer survivor teams joined the Warriors in celebration of ten years of paddling (view). Each team received a hamper of goodies and special Warriors’ wine (view) as they were welcomed to the city. Race day was cloudy but the rain skirted around the race site on Trout Lake. The dragon was awakened and the boats blessed (view). Pink Sensations from Pickering were the big winners (view) of the day. All the survivors joined in the arch parade (view) after the race. The festivities concluded that evening with a barbeque party at the Kelusky’s home on Trout lake.

September 12
The Warriors of Hope Annual Golf Tournament held at Clear Springs Golf Course was a resounding success this year. A full registration of 36 teams attended on a perfect day for golf. The day began with team photos taken by Rod and Shirley (view) with Jane’s Dragon regalia. The souvenir photos were also shown on the video screen inside during dinner. The winning team, by retrogression with a 59, were presented with plaques and the trophy (view). Marg again was our MC and worked right through a delicious dinner (view) selling draw tickets (view). The winner of the 50-50 draw was only too happy to give Marg Moody a big hug! (view).There was a special surprise presentation by Ray Sabourin, a local archer, (view) who has initiated a ‘Pink Arrow’ program for archers. Archer may purchase a pink arrow (view) to carry in their quiver to show support for Breast Cancer Research and the Warriors. (The arrows are never used in contests.) Warrior Tania was a draw winner (view) but the biggest round of applause went to Warrior Betty who attended and worked despite currently undergoing chemo (view).

October
The Warriors of Hope participated in a huge way again in the CIBC Run for the Cure this October. The Warriors collected the largest amount of pledges for any women’s team and this year, Warrior Sylvia Gray collected the most money of any North Bay and area participant. Way to go, Sylvia! Run for the Cure captain, Liz Chirico, ‘won’ again by having her son cross the finish line first.

The Weed Warriors were busy at the popular waterfront walking area (view) in October as they took out the bed of pink petunias and planted dozens of pink tulip bulbs (view), carefully placing them pointy side up. The floral pink ribbon flowerbed drew many favourable comments this past season as people paused to reflect on family and friends who have been touched by breast cancer.

December
December was a month of giving and receiving for the Warriors of Hope. On December 18, the Warriors, represented by Chris, Gloria and Shelley, were at Twiggs coffee shop to join the EZ Rock hosts to present a cheque to the North Bay Santa Fund (view). Chris made the on-air announcement (view) that the Warriors had raised $708.00 at their Christmas party this year (passing last year’s record). Even the ‘Elf’ was happily surprised at the amount (view).

On December 16, Bruce Monroe, representing Scotiabank, handed the Board of Director’s a cheque for $10,000 ( view). Board President and Paddling member of the Warriors, Diana Walton thanked Bruce for Scotiabank’s continuing support (view) that is so important in helping the Warriors of Hope meet their mandate of breast cancer awareness and promoting an active lifestyle after breast cancer.