2008 Events Schedule

January 17 - Strength Training
Strength and weight training sessions with physical fitness coach Larry Sheppard begin at West Ferris Secondary school. The emphasis is on flexibility, strength and endurance as team members prepare for the paddling season.

February 10 - Dragon Toss
The Skyhawks hockey team have chosen the Warriors of Hope Breast Cancer Survivor Dragonboat Racing team as their charity of choice for the game on Sunday, February 10, 2008 against the Manitoulin Islanders. Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Gardens. There will be five targets on the ice so come out and show your support and throwing skills at the Warriors' DRAGON TOSS during the second intermission. "Dragons" are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. There are great prizes to be won! See you there!

February 20- AGM
The Annual General Meeting will be held at the PHARA recreation room.

May 1, 2008
Warriors met with Joyce Bosselle of Joyce's Lingerie Shoppe to accept a $400 donation (view photo). Joyce, and her supplier of French Dressing Jeans, set aside a portion of the sales of the ribbon brooch and jeans for the past year in support of the Warriors of Hope. Joyce's is a local supplier of breast prosthesis and is a well-known store for breast cancer survivors. Thanks again, Joyce.

May 6,2008
It takes a 'village' to launch the dragonboat. The Warriors of Hope put Jane in the water last month at Olmstead beach on Trout Lake. What seems like a simple task is more complicated than you might expect. The boat is stored over winter at Warren Equipment where the boat is upside down and under wraps. The first call was to the North Bay Firefighters (view photo) who help us turn the boat over on the trailer, (view photo) a task for a crew of strong men since the boat weighs 350 kilograms and is 13 metres long. Then A&S Towing (view photo) pulls the boat to the launch site where we temporarily tie Jane at the Canoe Club dock until the CFB docks are ready. These events are all attended my any number of Warriors who take the wrapping off the boat, cheer on the Firefighters, guide the tow truck driver (who needs no assistance) and paddle the boat to the dock. The boat then has its cover attached (view photo) using the new Velcro strips supplied by Arctic Canvas over the winter. Before the first paddle by the Warriors of Hope, contact is made with Bob Esch at the Green Store to have a safety boat ready for the first practices when the cold water requires that we have a 'safety' boat nearby in case of a tip-over. The wonderful thing about the spring launch and the fall storage is the community support the Warriors receive. Thank you - to the 'village'! Give us a wave when you see us on the lake this summer. Finally, in 2008, (view photo) Paddles up!

May 24 - Yard Sale
The yard sale was a great success (view photo) raising over $980 that will help cover some of the travel expenses this summer. Thank you to the many people who dropped by on the cool morning and found some little item that they needed! Our thanks also to all the work by the Warriors and supporters who made the day such a success

June - Relay for Life
The Warriors of Hope attended the Trout Creek Relay for Life again this year. Despite the rain, there was a good turnout of Survivors and supporters for the event. The following week, Warriors attended the North Bay Relay and showed their support for the cause. A number of luminaries carry the names of our friends and it is always an emotional walk around the track.

July 19 - North Bay Dragonboat Festival
This was the first year that Bell Canada and Rotary ran the festival and although the number of teams was down, the spirits of the paddlers and crowd were high. The dragon was awakened by Denis Mong (view photo) and then the boats prepared for the races with a smudging ceremony ( view photo). The competition was friendly but some fierce characters (view photo) were spotted on Olmstead Beach. The Warriors (view photo) posted a respectable time of 2:40.94 in taking the B division championship (against mixed teams!).

For registration and information please see: www.northbaydragons.com

July 25-27 -Dartmouth, NS
Dartmouth Nova Scotia was the gathering place for 24 Breast Cancer Survivor teams from across Canada as they met to race and share their stories in the fight to raise Breast Cancer Awareness and the successes they have found in paddling. The ceremonies began with the Halifax Town Crier (view photo) calling all to the competition. The Crier looked a lot like Alexander Keith - whose brewery a number of Warriors attended to ascertain the true quality of India Pale Ale. The opening ceremony included the usual eye-painting but this was accompanied by a demonstration of Tai Chi (view photo) with a sword! A photo of the team rookie and the President (view photo) shows all smiles, but fire a gun or sound a siren and the teams get downright serious! The Warriors made it to the finals on both days, however RowBust from London proved to be Canadian champions on this weekend. Saturday night the home team, Bosom Buddies, hosted a banquet (view photo) which was enjoyed by all.

September 7 - Annual Golf Tournament
This major fund-raiser for the team will once again be held at Clear Springs golf course. The tournament has become a favourite with a great meal, prizes for everyone and a challenging game of golf. The number of teams is limited so sign up early to reserve your place for this event.

October - Run for the Cure & Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The team will again join forces with other dedicated people as they 'run' to raise money for the cause. Warriors have raised record funds in the past and will try to keep the record going.

December - Team Party
The year-end party will again raise money for the local Santa Fund as they wrap up the season with an evening of camaraderie and dining.

2007 In Review

May 26, 27 - Belleville Training Camp
The Warriors attended the dragonboat paddle camp in Belleville on May 26/27. Although most of the team has been paddling for a number of years, it was considered an excellent opportunity to have a refresher course on the latest paddling techniques. For the newer paddlers, it would be a chance to see other paddlers and coaches in action. The team (view photo) passed the "Boot Camp" drills with flying colours, although coach Nikki, who was assigned to paddle in a mock race, found that steering from the back is a much preferred position in the boat. The team has already been practicing the new paddle stroke on Tuesday and Thursday evenings on Trout Lake, and hopes to shave a few seconds off their time at upcoming events.

May 26 - Tickets on Sale for The Warriors of Hope Raffle
First Prize: Warrior Quilt -- The quilt is on display at Three Gables, 174 Main St E, North Bay view 1 view 2
Second Prize: Dragonboat Painting view
Third Prize: Father Christmas Doll -- Dressed in a mink robe, the doll is 39” /100 cm tall view
Tickets go on sale May 26, 2007 – $2.00 each or 3/$5.00 – Available from any member of the Warriors of Hope.
Winning tickets will be drawn on November 12, 2007 at Three Gables, 174 Main St E, North Bay at 1:00 pm. The winners will be announced in the North Bay Nugget on November 29, 2007. This Raffle is in support of the Warriors of Hope Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Racing Team and their continuing campaign for Breast Cancer awareness. Lottery license # 572329

June 1 - Relay for Life
This year the Warriors attended the Relay for Life in Trout Creek (view). Not only was this a chance to share their message with another community, but it was an opportunity to support the work of Warrior Sherry Young (view) who was one of the organizers of the Relay. In previous years, the Warriors have attended the North Bay Relay for Life however, the team will be in Peterborough the weekend of June 15/16. The team were honoured to lead the Survivors' lap (view), and were then joined by others (view) for the walk at the Community Centre. As well as raising pledge money, the Warriors of Hope purchased luminaries in memory of Marg, Keely and Kathy.

June 16 - Peterborough Festival
The Warriors attended the Peterborough Survivor’s banquet on Friday, June 15. Hosted by the home team, Survivors Abreast who had invited Dr Don McKenzie as a special guest speaker, the evening was filled with emotions as old friends met and new acquaintances greeted each other. Dr McKenzie brought encouraging words of his on-going work and helped unveil the new McKenzie Cup (view) which would be awarded to one of the twelve teams the next day.

Knot A Breast from Hamilton won the cup with he Warriors placing second. The carnation ceremony had 10 dragon boats (view) form a colourful flotilla, while on shore a group formed a large pink ribbon in the viewing stands to the accompaniment of “I Will Remember You”. The paddlers then gave the Paddles Up call (view).

Thirty-two teams competed in the Women’s Open division and the Warriors again came second to Knot A Breast in the championship race (view). Two ‘silver’ ribbons is an impressive start to the season!

July 7, 2007 - Hamilton Festival
The Warriors accepted Knot A Breast’s invitation to the to the Bayfront Park festival in Hamilton (view) knowing full well that they were going to face the top Breast Cancer Survivor team in Ontario. Added to the challenge was London’s Rowbust, a team that is always in the top seeding of BCS teams. Breast Buddies from the Chatham area and Dragons Abreast from Toronto would also be competing in the Survivor division. The Warriors worked out their jitters in the first mixed race and then won their second heat in great form (view). The host team supplied a bountiful setting of cool drinks and light racing food on a very hot day. The breast cancer survivors circulated among the survivor camps, chatting about everything but the up-coming survivor race. The ‘game’ faces appeared in the marshalling area (view). The five teams got off to a good start and the Warriors, Knot A Breast and Rowbust appeared to be head to head for the first 150 meters. Slowly the team from North Bay began to widen the gap and at 400 metres, they had a solid lead. The sprint for the finish line showed that the Warriors’ training had paid off as they pulled away from the other teams. Breast Buddies and Rowbust finished in a photo for third, while Knot A Breast finished second (view). Warrior Gold – and hardly anyone was excited! (view).

July 21 - North Bay Festival
The weather was perfect for the North Bay Festival as the Warriors launched for the first race (view) on Saturday morning. Although there were no visiting Survivor teams at the Festival, the Warriors were joined by the women’s team and people on shore for the carnation ceremony (view). For those spectators watching the water during the lunch break, an unusual sight appeared on the racecourse as the Warriors took their coach and bride-to-be, Nikki, for a dress-rehearsal ride (view). The Warriors took the gold medal in the Women’s Open race.

August 11 - Huntsville Festival
The Warriors returned to Huntsville for the second year to defend the Bell Huntsville Survivor Cup – successfully! The Warriors, led by Mariclaire (view) sang their way to the staging area for the first race of the day. While there were several all-women teams, only the Pink Sensations from Oshawa challenged for the Survivor Cup. The team displayed good form (view) as they paddled to the start area on Hunters Bay. The weather was very hot and seeking shade was mandatory between races (view) or, as the Pink Sensations did, taking a dip in the water (view). The Warriors were seeded in the Gold division against all mixed teams, and although they could not place for a medal, they stayed with their competitors right to the finish line in the final race.

September 8 - Golf Tournament
Thirty-three teams teed off at Clear Springs Golf Club in support of the Warriors of Hope. The weather could not have been better (Warrior Weather) as golfers cheered and gave high-fives for birdies and pars. The support from the community, either by sponsoring a hole or donating prizes, made every golfer a winner (view). Complimentary team photos for each golfer were a bonus as a memento of the day (view). Clear Springs served another excellent steak dinner that capped a day on the links (view). Thanks to everyone who supported or attended this major fundraiser for the Warriors.

CICB Run for the Cure
The Warriors of Hope participated in the CICB Run for the Cure on September 30. Along with our MP and MPP, was the Ontario Minister of Health, George Smitherman (view 1). The Warriors were the top fund-raising team, gathering $7,127.85 for the cause. Nineteen Warriors were on site (view 2) as our event organizer Liz spoke to the audience (view 3). The event raised over $60,000, well over the objective. Our own Warrior, Sylvia Gray, was the top individual fundraiser!

December 5 – Team Party
The Warriors of Hope held their annual team party on December 5 at Zorba’s restaurant. One of the highlights of the evening was the silent auction. Warriors brought items in the hope of attracting bids from their team members to raise money for the local Santa Fund (view photo). This year the team set a new record, not only for the number goods exchanged, but also for raising over $600 for the Santa Fund.



Community Involvement (2006)

The Warriors of Hope, with a mandate to raise awareness about a variety of breast cancer issues, and to demonstrate a full and fulfilling life after a cancer diagnosis, are actively involved with the community in a number of forums every year. Some of these are outlined below.

Warriors Make a Significant Donation to the North Bay Santa Fund
Once again, the Warriors of Hope helped the city of North Bay to go over the top in their annual Santa Fund drive. The Santa Fund helps North Bay families to enjoy their Christmas with food and material donations.

The Warriors, at their annual Christmas dinner in December, each contributed a donatable item or more to what is becoming a yearly silent auction. Handicrafts, household items, toys and other unique items were placed on sale with the Warriors eagerly trying to get the top bid on the items of their choice. The sale was a big success with $569 being raised!

Mariclaire, the team manager, proudly presented the donation on behalf of the Warriors with the local world to see, through the North Bay Nugget coverage!

CBCF CIBC “Run for the Cure” Reaches their Target with Help from the Warriors

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and CIBC annual Run for the Cure, a breast cancer fundraising event, was held for the second time in North Bay on October 1, 2006.

The turnout was wonderful with the event reaching their target and surpassing the funds raised last year during the inaugural event.

The Warriors of Hope were a significant presence at the event, the community recognizing their red jackets, or in some cases, their pink breast cancer survivor t-shirts. WOH board president, Marg Moody was honored, and honored us by her memorable words as she gave one of the opening addresses. Similarly, paddler Liz Chirico gave a heart-warming and moving talk representing breast cancer survivors and making us Warriors proud!

The Warriors had about 15 team members this year, running or walking the 5 km. at the waterfront. For the second year in a row, the Warriors of Hope won the New Balance Women’s Challenge award. The Warriors raised over $4000 to help fund breast cancer research and support across the province and throughout Canada. The Warriors further distinguished themselves as their team captain, Kathy Sirrs, was co-winner of the Ford determination award with her fundraising of over $2300 qualifying her, along with another participant, as the highest fundraiser of the site.

Congratulations to the Warriors of Hope for their significant contribution to this national breast cancer fundraising event!

Warriors Support Breast Cancer through the Weekend to End Breast Cancer

Once again, the Warriors of Hope have participated in the Princess Margaret Hospital Weekend to End Breast Cancer held in early September, 2006. This event raised over $17 million in a single weekend to facilitate breast cancer research, treatment and support through this leading cancer hospital and research centre in Toronto. This event took place in several other Canadian cities as well, but the proceeds of all the fundraising weekends will benefit millions of people across Canada, as we forge ahead in understanding and treating this disease.

The Warriors of Hope generously sponsored two paddlers participating in this event. The Board considers such sponsorship as being within the Warriors’ mandate to support and promote breast cancer research and treatment. Shelley Loponen and Kathy Sirrs walked 60 km. over the 2 days, having trained enthusiastically and committedly over the spring and summer months. In order to participate, each walker was required to raise $2000, but the two paddlers surpassed this goal, having raised close to $8000 between them.

2006 In Review

December 4, 2006

At their annual Christmas party, the Warriors held a silent auction and raised $569.00 for the local Santa Fund (see Community Involvement above).

October 1, 2006

Run for the Cure event was well attended by Warriors. The Warriors of Hope were the top fund-raising team (see community involvement above).

October 4, 2006

Warriors gathered at the Waterfront to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month. The weather was misty and cool, but it was a good media event with the Giant Bra making the front page of the Nugget.

September 10, 2006

The 2nd Annual Warriors Golf Tournament was held at Clear Springs golf club. This was a successful fundraiser with great community support and participation.

September 10, 2006

The Weekend to End Breast Cancer in Toronto was attended by Warriors Kathy and Shelley who completed the walk and raised funds for the event (see community involvement above).

September 16, 2006

The Warriors travelled to the Stratford Dragonboat Festival. We had to recruit paddlers from Barrie, London, Hamilton and Toronto to fill the boat as a number of Warriors were unable to attend the event. Although the times improved with each race, the Warriors finished in 4th place overall.

August 12, 2006

The Warriors took the Gold medal at the Huntsville Dragonboat Festival. This was the first time Breast Cancer Survivor teams had raced in Huntsville and the teams were well received and appreciated by the spectators and competitors. The 500-metre time of 2.25 was a record best for the Warriors.

July 22, 2006

The North Bay Festival was a success again, with the Canoe Club and the Warriors hosting over 30 teams. The Warriors took Gold in the Survivor race.

July 15, 2006

The Canadians Abreast national team had registered for the Sudbury Festival, but was in dire need of paddlers. The Warriors responded to the call and made up the majority of the crew. There was no survivor race, but the PA announcer gave good coverage to the team and Breast Cancer Awareness.

June 24, 2006

The team travelled to Ottawa for the Dragonboat Festival, however the festival did not place as much emphasis on the Survivor section as was hoped. The Warriors took Survivor Bronze but did not place high enough in the Women’s Open section to compete on the final day.

June 16, 2006

Warriors attended the Relay For Life at CFB North Bay again this year. Although thunderstorm dampened the event, it was a successful fundraiser in the community.

June 10, 2006

The Warriors held a giant yard sale to raise money for the Stratford Festival travel costs. Many goods changed hands and the sale was a great success.

May 25, 2006

The Warriors held a Media Launch to advertise the beginning of the paddling season. Both television and the print media gave good coverage and passed along the Breast Cancer Awareness message.

April 21, 2006

Nimble-fingered Warriors joined in a quilting bee to support the Northcott 30-hours Quilting Marathon at Three Gables Studio. THE QUILT fundraiser has raised over $1.1 million dollars to support Breast Cancer research and support programs. Local politicians attended along with the media. Three Gables has donated the North Bay quilt to the Warriors of Hope for a fund-raising raffle to be held in 2007.

February 19, 2006

The Dragon Bean-Bag Toss at Memorial Gardens during a SkyHawks’ hockey game drew attention for Breast Cancer Awareness and changes are anticipated for an improved Dragon Toss in 2007.

January 2006

Warriors began strength training with fitness coach Larry Sheppard at West Ferris Secondary School. The weekly sessions continued until April when pool training began at the YMCA.