Variety – the Children’s Charity announced that this year’s Boat for Hope will dock in Burnaby on Sept. 12.
Due to COVID-19 and the restrictions put in place by the BC Health Authorities, last year’s Boat for Hope was revamped as a drive-through event on the rooftop parking lot of Coquitlam Centre.
This year’s event will take place in the parking lot of Burnaby City Hall, where each corner of the lot decorated as a “Treasure Island” with many pirate volunteers awaiting the arrival of special needs kids and their families.
Families who have been helped by Variety BC will once again be invited to drive through from the comfort of their own vehicles as the children are greeted by “swashbuckling pirates” while receiving loot bags. Additionally pre-packaged refreshments will be provided to all the families.
“We are so excited for this year’s Boat for Hope,” said Cally Wesson, Variety CEO, in a news release. “With the generous support of local skippers, the business community, volunteers and of course, our phenomenal Boat for Hope Committee, we will once again be able to provide a memorable day for kids with special needs … and not just the kids but for the families as well.”
Similar to last year, measures will be taken to ensure the health and safety of all attendees, said a news release.
“The committee is working closely with the BC Centre for Disease Control to stay up to date with the frequently updated regulations and the full event plan has been approved by Fraser Health and the City of Burnaby.”
Since the first Boat for Hope was launched in 1999, the annual event has gone on to raise over $2.5 million for B.C.’s kids with special needs.
