Starting in 2011, the CDBS created the Dragon Boat Charity Race to help raise awareness & funds for a selected non-profit organization from the community of Calgary.
Each year, +100 participants from all levels of government, business and community, experience the spirit of Dragon Boating by paddling in race of 5 teams, while helping to raise awareness and funds for the Charity Race Recipient.
Foundation and Mission: The AHF, a non-profit organization, was established to celebrate Asian-Canadian contributions to society1. It involves over 25 community groups and 200 volunteers from southern Alberta.
Historical Significance: Inspired by the US, Teresa Woo-Paw organized Calgary’s first Asian Heritage Month event in 20013. Following its success, Canada officially declared May as Asian Heritage Month in 2002.
Community Impact: AHF aims to instill pride, continue the legacy of Asian Canadians, and influence the mainstream narrative. It’s the largest pan-Asian organization in Alberta, fostering community engagement and unity.
National Celebration: Asian Heritage Month is celebrated across Canada in May, with AHF leading initiatives in Calgary to honor the diverse contributions of Asian Canadians to the nation’s cultural fabric.
The Board of Directors are extremely proud to announce that this year’s Charity Recipient is the “Asian Heritage Foundation”.
The Asian Heritage Foundation (AHF) Calgary is a beacon of cultural celebration and community empowerment. As the largest pan-Asian organization in Alberta, AHF stands at the forefront of fostering appreciation for the rich tapestry of Asian-Canadian heritage.
With a mission rooted in instilling pride and purpose, AHF Calgary tirelessly works to continue the legacy of Asian Canadians and reshape the mainstream narrative through strategic community engagement1.
Purpose:
Instilling Pride and Purpose: AHF Calgary dedicates itself to uplifting Asian-Canadian identities, ensuring that the community’s contributions are recognized and celebrated.
Continuing the Legacy: By honoring the past, AHF Calgary builds a foundation for future generations to thrive upon, ensuring that the stories and achievements of Asian Canadians are not forgotten.
Changing the Mainstream Narrative: Through active involvement and collaboration, AHF Calgary challenges and redefines societal perceptions, advocating for a more inclusive and diverse narrative.
Goals:
Community Engagement: AHF Calgary engages over 25 Asian-Canadian community groups and 200 volunteers, promoting unity and cooperation to celebrate and acknowledge the vital roles played by Asian Canadians.
Cultural Celebration: During Asian Heritage Month, AHF Calgary orchestrates a series of events that not only honor the past but also inspire the present and future of the Asian-Canadian community.
As a potential charity recipient of the Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival, AHF Calgary envisions a partnership that embodies the spirit of diversity and unity.
This collaboration would not only amplify the message of inclusivity but also support AHF’s ongoing initiatives to empower the Asian-Canadian community.
Together, we can paddle towards a future where every cultural stroke is valued and every race towards equality is won.
WELCOME ON BOARD!!!
Boats participating in the Dragon Boat Charity Race (200m)
Beer Gardens – Family Friendly by Marda Loop Brewing Co.
House DJ by Pro Star Productions
10:15am
Charity Race Teams Line up @ Information Tent
10:30am
Charity Race Teams Line up @ Marshalling area
10:45am
Sinopec Dragon Boat Charity Race (200m)
11:45am
Charity Race VIP Lunch Reception @ Beer Gardens – Welcome remarks – Awards Presentations – Food Service from 12:15pm to 1:45pm
12:00pm
Multi-Cultural Performances (Global Fest) – Yama no Oto – Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre – Azeri Calgary Stars
1:00pm
Racing Resumes
Asian Ethnic Dance – Maharlika Diva’s Dance group Philippines Thai Dance – Thai Culture Club Chinese Folk Dance – Shanghai Jiang Zhe Association
1:30pm
Multi-Cultural Performances (Global Fest) – Yama no Oto – Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre – Azeri Calgary Stars
2:30pm
Wushu Performance by Calgary Tai Chi and Martial Arts College
3:00pm
Racing completed for the day.
3:30pm
Dragon Boat Awards Presentation – Chinese Lion Dance – Race Cup & Metal Presentations – Dragon Boat Racing Closing Remarks
6:00pm
Dragon Marketplace – CLOSES
6:00pm
Festival Site Closes
Last Shuttle Bus Run from Festival Site.
Kindly be aware that the event schedule is subject to unforeseen changes. Rest assured, the provided schedule represents the official timetable of the Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival, and the information on this page is the most current and accurate schedule provided by the Calgary Dragon Boat Society.
