Since 2003 the event has raised over $1.75 million for a variety of local charities including supporting Barrie Public Library. The coming together of our civic leaders, governments, businesses, sponsors, donors, and volunteers is imperative to the continued success of the Barrie Dragon Boat Festival. Paddling together in harmony enriches the quality of life for the citizens of Barrie.

The Dragon Boat Festival is meaningful because of our team. The Geri-Antics are “in it for fun” and we encourage anyone to join our team. We are proud of representation from staff, management, our Board of Directors, volunteers, family members and business partners. While camaraderie is the intent, paddles certainly dip deep when the whistle blows!

The Dragon Boat Festival is our biggest independent event, meaning that we keep all the proceeds to purchase items for the Home and our residents. We welcome and thank our business partners who support our boat with cash sponsorships or product/service donations.

While not the fastest boat on the water, we certainly have the most fun. PLUS, we have won the award for the Best Fundraised Boat, and we will take that award any day. The revenue from The Dragon Boat Race is used to purchase resident care items and other Home needs.