For 25 years, Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival has united the community in a powerful show of support for cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Thanks to the dedication of the Festival Organizing Committee, host team Survivors Abreast, and so many participating paddlers, volunteers, sponsors and donors, the Festival has raised more than $4.9 million in donations to the PRHC Foundation—helping fund vital equipment and technology that keeps cancer care close to home.
Now, as the Festival prepares to celebrate its silver anniversary on Saturday, June 13 at Del Crary Park, organizers are hoping to surpass the $5 million milestone.
We spoke with 2026 Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival Chair, Michelle Thornton, about her personal connection to the event, the impact it has had on cancer care in our region and what makes this year’s celebration especially meaningful…
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival. How long have you been involved with the Festival and what first inspired you to join?
Michelle: I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. Luckily it was caught early and surgery at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) was the only treatment I needed. I had my operation that September and joined Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat team in November. I attended my first Festival in 2015 as a brand-new paddler. I remember being in the boat thinking—because in the beginning after diagnosis, all you think about is cancer—but I remember being in the boat thinking, “I’m focusing on paddling and I’m not thinking about anything else.” It was great! Then in 2017, I was approached by one of the founding members of the Festival to become Chair. Carol Mutton offered to co-chair with me as a bit of an incentive. It’s a really rewarding experience. I’ve met some amazing people along the way, made some great friends and heard some really inspiring stories.
You attended your first Festival in 2015, and now—more than a decade later—you’re chairing the Festival’s silver anniversary. What is it about this event that continues to inspire your commitment year after year?
Michelle: When I first came to the 2015 Festival, it really opened my eyes. I thought the government paid for hospital equipment and technology. It dawned on me that it was events like the Dragon Boat Festival that helped fund the equipment that helped diagnose me at PRHC. I realized then that this was way bigger than me. Being a part of this event is a way to give back and also pay it forward for somebody in the future. This is a huge community event that does a lot of good and can make a real difference in someone’s life. Along the road, I’ve met some amazing volunteers and committee members that keep coming back every year. They truly inspire me to keep going.
Beyond the excitement and community spirit, this Festival has a very real impact on cancer care in our region. Why is supporting PRHC Foundation through events like this so important to you personally?
Michelle: The thing is, I had my surgery at PRHC. My family was able to be with me without having to travel, so I know how important it is that care is close to home as much as possible. I actually did a deep dive in terms of all the equipment that has been fundraised with the money Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival has raised and it’s just, it’s amazing. You know, we’ve replaced mammogram machines, ultrasounds, we supported new CT scanners, an additional MRI… The list goes on. The Festival has really touched every part of the cancer care spectrum at PRHC. Our mandate is breast cancer, but really the equipment that we fundraise for supports all cancer care. I think everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. The Festival’s contribution is significant and it’s important. I’m really proud of these accomplishments and what we’ve managed to do to help our regional hospital over the 25 years.
The Festival has raised nearly $5 million for cancer care at PRHC. This year’s fundraising goal is especially meaningful. Can you explain the significance behind the number $325,018.01?
Michelle: This year we increased our goal by 25%, so it’s $325,018.01. The 25 reflects the 2 out of 5 Canadians who will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. The 18 is for the 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer and the .01 is the percentage of men who will be diagnosed with breast cancer. So, all of the numbers mean something.
As you look ahead to this milestone Festival on Saturday, June 13, what are you most looking forward to on race day?
Michelle: We have five out-of-town survivor teams coming to help us celebrate this year, which is significant. So, the flower ceremony is going to be special. It’s a really festive day, although the purpose is a serious one, we make it fun. We have a beer garden and a Festival branded merchandise tent. There’s a petting zoo, games for the kids, face painting. The food and artisan vendors are amazing. And really, it’s the atmosphere. It’s electric. You can feel it, people are high-fiving and smiling, there’s music, and they’re hugging. It’s a community that comes together to make a difference, and you can really feel that connectivity. I get shivers thinking about it and my passion just grows as I visualize it.