Paddle in Paradise event raises $45K

Hundreds of people gathered in Paradise on Saturday for the fourth annual Avalon Dragons' SunSplash Paddle in Paradise.

Close to 30 corporate and community groups competed in the event, which raised $45,000.

The Town of Paradise took gold while Team Broken Earth won silver and the CBC Wave Catchers took bronze.

With proceeds going to support breast cancer survivors, Avalon Dragon Boat Organizer Nancy Bennett said everyone at the event was a winner.

"I really recommend it to people who want to get involved in a sport that is very forgiving but yet really keeps you fit and happy," said Bennett.

In particular, the sport is recommended for breast cancer survivors as a kind of physical activity that can help with weight loss and prevent recurrence of the cancer, while also preventing lymphedema, a swelling in the arms that some patients experience after surgery.

The money raised at the SunSplash Paddle will support breast cancer survivors in several ways, including strengthening the Dragon Boating facility on Octagon Pond used by the Avalon Dragons, a team made up entirely of breast cancer survivors.