Charity & Pledge Program
Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child guides our work. Right To Play programs target the most marginalized individuals including girls, persons with disabilities, children affected by HIV and AIDS, street children, former child combatants and refugees. Right To Play has been a pioneer in innovation for social change and has a track record for creating programs that are both sustainable and replicable. |
It’s often difficult to imagine the impact that one person can have, so here are some numbers to help put into perspective just how far your fundraising dollars can go:
- Fifty- as in dollars: For some of us, that could mean a dinner out, or a snazzy new pair of shoes… Or it could mean the cost of sending a child through one of our programs for an entire year. When you add it all up, even every penny makes a difference.
- 685,000- children: who are in weekly regular sport and play activities, with a combined total of more than 1 million children in regular programming and special sports events and festivals.
- 14,000- of local Coaches/Teachers/Leaders: all of whom are trained by Right To Play to facilitate our programs. We partner with local communities and organizations to ensure our programs have a lasting impact and thus achieve our goal of sustainability.
- 400 and growing- Athlete Ambassadors: Right To Play is supported by an international team of top athletes from more than 40 countries. As role models these athletes inspire children, raise awareness and promote opportunities for funding for Right To Play projects. Our Athlete Ambassadors include Chelsea Football Club (UK), Team Columbia, Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia), Jose Calderon (Spain), Constantina Dita (Romania), Anja Pärson (Sweden), Alexander Ovechkin (Russia), and Steve Young (USA).
Dragon boat races and festivals provide an opportunity for organizations to promote their social responsibility through their support of charities and worthwhile causes. Together with our participants, GWN has raised over $1 million for local and national charities.
Fundraising Results
2009:
Top Fundraising Individual: Will receive a 3-month membership to the YMCA
Top Fundraising Team: Will receive 3-month memberships to the YMCA for the entire team
2008:
Top Three Fundraising Teams:
Team KRG
Tragically Quick
Grant Thorton Typhoon
Top Three Individuals:
Karen Barkley (Team KRG)
Christina Martin (Team KRG)
Terri Norris
2007:
Top Three Fundraising Teams:
Team KRG
DataMirror Dragons
Lindt Dragons
Top Three Individuals:
Linda Foden (DataMirror Dragons)
Karen Barkley (Team KRG)
Christina Martin (Team KRG)
Great White North
577 Wellington St. West, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario. M5V 1G3
Tel: (416) 962-8899 Fax: (416) 962-9300 Email: info@gwndragonboat.com
About Us
Dragon boat racing is the fastest growing water sport in the world. Helping to drive that expansion in North America is Great White North (GWN) Dragon Boat, the continent’s largest, full-service dragon boat racing company.
GWN Dragon Boat produces more than 40 events and festivals which raise millions of dollars for community and charitable partners. GWN offers start-to-finish event management services for your festival, corporate team-building experiences, social marketing initiatives, premier training camps, and equipment sales including IDBF Certified BuK Dragon Boats, Apex and Grey Owl paddles. Put simply, GWN is the one-stop shop for all things dragon boat. Our expertise is unequaled and our commitment to quality is unmatched.
GWN Dragon Boat Challenge
Combining the giving spirit with the spirit of competition can create tremendous results.
That’s the philosophy behind one of North America’s most popular festivals. The GWN Dragon Boat Challenge is a two-day festival that brings together 5,000 recreational and elite dragon boat athletes and thousands of spectators. Mark the date on the calendar, as this is the do not miss festival of the summer.
The event has moved to Marilyn Bell Park and now offers some of the best technical racing in North America. With over 200 teams expected to participate, it is the ultimate boating experience.
The Ultimate Corporate Experience
The corporate world shares many similarities with dragon boat racing. In both settings, the secret to success involves collaboration, communication, commitment and co-ordination. Without a doubt, the same characteristics that affect your company’s bottom line will also drive you to the finish line. Dragon boating is a fun team-building activity and a unique way to host clients. Participating in a dragon boat event can benefit your employees, co-workers and clients in numerous ways. Here are some examples:
- Dragon boating creates an inclusive environment – people all ages and fitness levels can participate
- The nature of dragon boat emphasizes unity and working together
- Driving toward the finish line renews energy, enthusiasm and motivation
- Paddlers communicate by cheering each other on
- Dragon Boat encourages leaders to move to the fore-front
- Completing a festival or training session develops a sense of pride and accomplishment among participants
- Twenty paddlers in one boat = increased camaraderie
You choose the location – Great White North will go anywhere in North America to create the ultimate corporate experience, from a one-hour session for 20 people to a full-day event for 4,000.
Get on board!
Looking for a Team or Paddler?
GWN wants to help you find a crew or find a paddler. If you are looking for a new crew member for your next festival or event, GWN can help. Check the "Find a Paddler" page today and fill your crew for the next festival or event.
