Festival Chair Michelle Thornton reflects on 25 years of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival

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 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.

Tracey Germa’s fundraiser for cancer care at PRHC

Tracey Germa’s fundraiser for cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is gaining momentum. What began as a goal of $12,000 has already been surpassed, and she’s not stopping there. Tracey has now raised her sights to $15,000 in support of cancer care.

Her commitment to this cause is personal. In February 2021, Tracey was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy shortly after and completed 20 rounds of radiation that summer. For the past five years, she has continued her treatment with Tamoxifen. Now, as she approaches the end of her treatment on May 31st, she’s marking this milestone in a meaningful way by giving back to the place that supported her through it all.

Tracey is reviving a fundraiser she first launched during her recovery. She’s selling packs of blank-inside cards in support of cancer care at PRHC.

This year’s cards feature new artwork created by her husband, James. The design is inspired by a powerful moment during Tracey’s recovery. After her surgery, she noticed a single leaf clinging to a tree in her backyard throughout the winter. It became a quiet but powerful symbol of strength and resilience. Over time, that same tree has grown and flourished, mirroring Tracey’s own journey. The updated design reflects this story of renewal and includes imagery of regrowth alongside the word “hope.”

To learn more about Tracey’s story, support her fundraiser, or purchase a set of cards, please visit her personal fundraising page for full details.

BWXT Peterborough raises an incredible $100,000 for cancer care at PRHC

We are grateful to BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc.’s Peterborough team for their extraordinary generosity. Through the dedication and community spirit of their employees, BWXT Peterborough raised an incredible $100,000 in support of reimagining cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

This generosity will help PRHC invest in state-of-the-art cancer care technology like digital pathology.

Did you know?

PRHC’s pathologists play a crucial role in diagnosing cancer by examining tissue and blood samples. Traditionally, this work requires a microscope and physical slides. With digital pathology, pathologists can instead view high-resolution digital images on a computer monitor.

This advancement means:

  • Faster, more accurate diagnoses
  • Easier collaboration, with digital images securely shared and reviewed by specialists anywhere in the world
  • Greater efficiency, helping experts make timely decisions for patients and their families

Thank you BWXT for investing in the future of cancer care at PRHC. Your generosity is helping patients receive world-class care close to home, when it matters most.

Another record-breaking year for Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival

On October 6, the PRHC Foundation welcomed members of the Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival Planning Committee, the Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat Team, Platinum Sponsor Kawartha Credit Union, paddlers, volunteers and supporters, to celebrate the Festival’s historic achievement: A record-breaking donation of $400,104.01 – the largest single gift in the Festival’s history!

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Lace up for Blades of Bravery

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Mom Victoria Wasson, dad Stephen Moloney, brother Wyatt and sister Harper – who recently donated $5,309.80 to the PRHC Foundation from an earlier fundraiser – are inviting the community to lace up their skates to support the smallest and bravest cancer warriors among us.

Wyatt was just eight months old when he was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma. Throughout every treatment and hospital stay, he received expert, compassionate care at PRHC. His family is passionate about giving back by supporting pediatric cancer care at the Health Centre. This month it’s through Blades of Bravery, a special family-friendly open skate.

  • When: September 20, 2025, 1-2pm
  • Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre
  • Admission: By donation

Come and enjoy hot chocolate, sweet treats, and the warmth of a community united for a meaningful cause. Please sport your yellow or gold to show your support for childhood cancer awareness.

District A3 and A16 Lions Clubs raise over $100,000 for pediatric cancer care

Lions Clubs from Districts A3 and A16 are celebrating a remarkable community achievement with the PRHC Foundation: 21 Clubs from across the two Districts, with an additional gift on behalf of each of those Districts, have collectively raised more than $100,000 in donations to the Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC. These funds will support the building of an expanded, purpose-built pediatric cancer clinic space at the hospital to meet the growing needs of young patients, close to home. With the Lions’ donation, the fundraising goal for this critical investment has now been met.

Thank you, Lions Districts A3 and A16 and the following Clubs for all your hard work and commitment to the Lions for Pediatric Cancer Care initiative!: Bobcaygeon District, Brighton, Campbellford, Chemung Lake, Bridgenorth & Ennismore District, Coboconk & District, East Peterborough, Fowlers Corners & District, Haliburton & District, Havelock, Keene, Kendal, Kinmount & District, Lakefield & District, Lakefield Village, Lindsay East & District, Marmora Crowe Valley, Millbrook & District, Norwood, Oakwood & District, Peterborough, and Stirling & District.