_{Barrie's Ribbons of Hope is a dragon boat team comprised of breast cancer survivors based in Barrie. Through our Dragon Boat races and participation in the Run for the Cure, we raise public awareness of breast cancer and show that there is life after breast cancer. We provide other survivors with a strong message of hope, inspiration and encouragement.}

_{Our team is made up of 50+ members and we are always willing to recruit new members (both male & female). In 2008 we participated in 4 local races, Port Perry, Stratford, Orillia and Barrie.  Additionally, some team members went to Darthmoth, Nova Scotia for an Internation Breast Cancer Festival.  In 2007 members of the team ventured 'down under' to Australia for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Festival in September.  In 2004 we received the Spirit Award at the Barrie Festival.}

_{Traditionally most festivals hold a Breast Cancer Cup Challenge followed by an extremely moving flower ceremony in which we take time to reflect and toss pink carnations into the water in memory of those who are not able to paddle with us anymore.}

_{Since our inception in 2003 we have raised almost $100,000 in pledges for the new Regional Cancer Centres at Barrie and Newmarket.}

_{Our team plans to participate in 4 races in 2009 (Port Perry, Barrie, with other dates and locations to be determined) and are looking to attend an International Festival in Orlando, Florida in the Fall.} 

_{We were saddened with the passing of our coach & friend Bruce Saunders the summer of 2008, but will continue to apply the many skills he challenged with over the years!  Bruce's passion for Dragonboating will live on!} 

<sup>We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation to support and furnish our team with it's Community Practice Dragonboat.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, receives annually $100 million of government funding generated through Ontario's charity casino initiative. www.trilliumfoundation.org</sup>