The Surrey Hospitals Foundation and presenting sponsor EllisDon hosted its sixth annual stand-up paddleboard charity event at Blackie Spit Park at Crescent Beach on Saturday, July 13.
The Champion of the Crescent event saw hundreds of people participate, together raising $218,346 to support youth mental health programs in Surrey and south of the Fraser.
The foundation's president & CEO, Nicole Robson, thanked everyone for participating and "standing up for youth mental health."
"It truly makes a difference in people's lives, not just today, but into the future," Robson said.
David McFarlane, EllisDon executive vice president and Chief Operating Officer, who is on the Foundation’s board, came up with the idea for the champion of Cresent six years ago.
As a longtime board member and Surrey resident, McFarlane said EllisDon was proud to be back as the Champion of Crescent again helping to support one of the many of the foundations' causes.
"We know that Surrey is the fastest growing city in BC in the province," McFarlane said. "With the future of the province being here, it's important for all of us to support all the aspects of our kids health, including their mental health, right here at home."
"Our kids are the most valuable things in our community. We need to care for them and make sure they have the services that they need. Let's show them the care by health funding the cause today to recovery from that journey of mental health and having fulfilling lives in our local community," McFarlane said.
The Surrey Fire SUPerstars (Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society) won Champion of the Crescent, with second place going to EllisDon Richmond, and third to the Surrey Fire Probies (Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society).
