Canadian Navy Dragon Boaters Get Cooking

Over 130 tenants at Pacifica Housing’s supported housing complexes will enjoy a Thanksgiving turkey dinner this Saturday, October 8th thanks to the Canadian NAVY “Dragon Anchors” dragon boat team.

The team has collected six turkeys that will be cooked offsite and delivered to Camas Gardens, Clover Place and Medewiwin apartments. Thrifty Foods Admirals Walk has generously donated additional groceries and tenants involved in Pacifica’s community garden program will harvest their summer gardens for organic greens and vegetables. Team members, onsite support staff and volunteers will set up, decorate and carve the turkeys.

“The Dragon Anchors live and work in the Victoria area and we appreciate the opportunity to give back to our community” said team captain Will Slater, “the support we are given is incredible and it is our pleasure to return that spirit to the community”

Karyn French, executive director of Pacifica Housing is thrilled. “Lack of proper nutrition and isolation are issues many of our supported housing tenants struggle with. A hot meal served onsite addresses both issues and promotes a sense of community within the complex.”

The Dragon Anchors team has paddled together for 11 seasons winning over 15 medals in the past 4 years including championship titles at Victoria, Kelowna and Nanaimo festivals and a strong showing at the 2010 Boracay International Dragon Boat festival (Boracay, Philippines). The team is based out of CFB Esquimalt and includes active and retired Military, Department of National Defence employees and Military family and friends.

Pacifica Housing is a is a non-profit charitable organization, incorporated in 1988. Its mission is to provide innovative, affordable housing opportunities and support to people in need of such services. Pacifica Housing further provides advocacy and referral services for those who need it through the Downtown Outreach Services office.