A team of 20 staff from Iler Lodge Long Term Care home in Essex fundraised for charity and helped build their team at the annual Dragon Boat for a Cure event in Tecumseh. The races were held July 8-10 on Lake St. Clair.

Sara Fox, program manager for Revera Living’s Iler Lodge, says staff members Kari McMahon and Brenda Laporte had participated in prior years, and because the funds raised support seven local charities, including hospitals, a cancer institute, a breast health centre and a cancer centre foundation, “we wanted to give back to the community. That’s why we decided to participate,” says Fox.

The team was made up of management and front-line staff.

There were 105 teams participating, and about 2,000 people cheering on from shore. Fox says the Rose Ceremony, in which roses are scattered in memory of those who lost their battles with cancer, or in honor of those who are struggling with or have survived the disease was uplifting.

“It was amazing to watch,” says Fox. “It was a tear-jerker.”

Fox says the water had been too rough for the Iler Lodge team to hold a practice session on the water, so her team’s practice was held on land.

“We were worried about getting off the starting line,” she laughs.

When seeking a team name, the group looked over other teams and noticed there were a number of references to breasts and breast cancer. One of the paddler’s husband’s came up with the Iler Bolder Holders, which the team thought was funny, and a good play on words.

The team held a number of fundraisers to support the cause, and raised $5,723 for the Dragon Boat for a Cure event. Fox said the home sold popcorn on Fridays to residents and staff, and held Friday barbecues to add $823 to the $4,900 team members raised.

She says team members had such a great time at the event, they have already decided to participate next year.