Dragon boat festival raises record £60,000 for Brave Futures
Twenty-eight teams braved wind, rain and two capsizes at Ipswich Waterfront on Saturday to raise a record £60,000 for children and young people affected by sexual abuse.
Why it matters: The total raised at Brave Futures' 7th Annual Dragon Boat Festival is enough to fund specialist support for 30 children and young people over the course of a year — the charity's biggest single-day fundraising haul to date.
The details: Teams battled changeable conditions throughout the day, with the weather swinging from rain and strong winds to bursts of sunshine. Two boats capsized during the racing, though all involved were quickly recovered safe and well.
The thrilling final came down to three teams — Ipswich Buses, Harwich Haven Authority and Rose Builders — with Harwich Haven Authority claiming the Dragon Boat Champion title.
What they're saying: Sandra Lucas, engagement and fundraising officer at Brave Futures, said: "To raise £60,000 in a single day is simply incredible. Every team, sponsor, volunteer and supporter played a part in making this happen. That funding can help 30 children and young people access the specialist support they need to feel safe, heard and empowered. Behind every pound raised is the opportunity to transform a young person's future."
The bigger picture: The event was sponsored by Cory Brothers, with spectators also treated to performances from Lion Dancers, Samboomba Samba, Ipswich Town Football Club and Suffolk Police, creating a festival atmosphere on the waterfront.
Shots from the day (Photos: Kev Bennett/Kev Bennett Imagery)
What's next: Planning is already underway for next year's festival, with the charity hoping to make an even bigger splash in 2027.
The bottom line: Despite the unpredictable weather, Brave Futures' dragon boat festival has delivered its most successful fundraising day ever, with every penny going towards specialist support for some of the most vulnerable young people in the region.
To find out more about Brave Futures and its work, visit bravefutures.org.
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