A splashing £22,850 was raised in a Dragon Boat Race for WaterAid to help bring clean water to everyone, everywhere. On Thursday 7th
July at the South Dock of Canary Wharf, WaterAid, in collaboration with Canary Wharf Group, hosted the brand-new event based on a Chinese tradition from over 2000 years ago.
15 teams from companies in the vicinity of Canary Wharf competed in a series of time-clocked races. They took to the water between 12 and 5pm (following safety briefings and
instructions, of course!) in competition to gain the title of the champions of Canary Wharf.
Many companies, including KPMG, Clausematch, Paysafe and
WallStreetDocs
took part. The very talon-ted Neon Bandits team which included members from local dragon boat clubs in the area came out victorious, with Canary Wharf Group’s
security team and Clausematch earning their 2nd
and 3rd place titles respectively.
Special awards for the best dressed competitors also went to Clausematch whose aquatic themed costumes stood out from the crowd and Yondr Group who were crowned the top fundraising
team bringing an impressive £4,962 to the cause.
Corinne Stone, Senior Community and Events Officer for WaterAid, said:
“It’s easy for us to take water for granted – whether we’re drinking it, washing with it, or even
racing dragon boats on it! But the reality is that 771 million people around the world don’t have clean water close to home. We’re proud to have brought together people of all ages and abilities for this event and based on the turnout and fundraising efforts
from our fellow local businesses it was not only a brilliant team day out for all involved, but one that will have a real impact.”
Lucie Moore, Associate Director, Arts & Events at Canary Wharf Group, said:
“The Dragon Boat race is an incredible day where our office community come together to battle it out in a show of speed and determination, have fun with their colleagues
and most importantly, raise money for charity. We’re very proud of everyone who turned up to compete, donate and support, contributing to making a real impact for WaterAid’s life changing work around the world.”
Kim-Joy Hewlett, spectator and star of The Great British Bake Off 2018, said:
“I came down to support my brother Kenneth who is part of the Neon Bandits team. I didn’t know he was into Dragon Boat Racing before so thought I’d come down to watch him raise money
for a good cause. It’s been a lovely day in the sunshine!”
