What is this ‘Dragon Boat Racing’, and how does it work?
Ask anyone who has previously answered the call (or occasional gentle coercion) to become a St Lawrence Shipmate, and they'll tell you about the fun and frolics of the day itself. Important as that is, the real magic lies in our crew's ability to turn a good time into great funds for causes that need it — with every penny raised going straight to our chosen charities.
This year, we're proud to be rowing in support of six brilliant organisations: Sevenoaks Area Youth Trust, The Scotts Project, Children in Distress, RDM Parakkanvilai Fund, One Hope Zimbabwe, and St Lawrence Church itself. Some are well known locally, some quietly get on with extraordinary work further afield — but all benefit not just from the funds raised, but from a bit of well-earned exposure too.
As for the day itself, our competitive ambitions are reassuringly modest — we're here for the fun, the friendships, the fundraising and the faint possibility of a top 10 finish. We're always on the lookout for new Shipmates to bolster the ranks, and, frankly, to reduce the squad's average age down toward the ‘in with a sporting chance’ category.
If you'd like to get involved — whether as a rower in the boat or a sponsor cheering from the bank (or sofa…) we'd love to hear from you. Rowers need to be 16 or above, and while there's no strict sponsorship limit to secure your seat, we'd love it if you could aim for £200: get every rower there and we'll comfortably blast past our fundraising target. No experience necessary, just bring you energy, enthusiasm, humour and a sturdy towel…
To register your interest, or if you've got any questions, please email Andy Rowell at andy.rowell@me.com.
If the water doesn’t tempt you but the donation aspect does, then fear not — we’ve got you covered! Any donation made via our page on the Crowdfunding website or the accompanying QR code will spur the crew on to greater glory (or at least save us from complete embarrassment). And remember, ticking the Gift Aid box gives our charities an instant 20% boost at no cost to you. Last year’s event raised a record £6000 of funds for our beneficiaries, and it would be spectacular if we could get anywhere near that amount once again…
We hope you'll choose to get onboard (in either the metaphorical or actual sense) in order to help us make memories, break records and assist a handful of worthy causes to carry out their wide ranging support of others. Go on, I dare you…!
The St Lawrence Shipmates
Link to Crowdfunder Page: