Kingston’s breast cancer community will come together, Saturday, October 17 for the third annual Chilibreast fundraiser, supporting the Chestmates, Kingston’s breast cancer dragon boat team.
The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Thomas Anglican Church at 130 Lakeview Ave., bringing people together for an afternoon focused on friendship, fundraising and support for women whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.
The Chestmates are part of a growing dragon boat community that uses the sport to promote physical activity, camaraderie and a sense of empowerment among breast cancer survivors and those living with the disease. The Chestmates participated in an international gathering of thousands of breast-cancer survivors in France earlier this year, representing Kingston on the world stage.
Organizers say Chilibreast is an opportunity for the wider Kingston community to learn more about the team and help raise money to support its activities. It also helps defray participation costs as lead organizer Diana Lindsay tells us.
The fundraiser will feature food, fellowship and opportunities for attendees to contribute to the cause, with proceeds going directly toward the Chestmates and their ongoing dragon boat program. For many involved, the event is about more than raising money. It is also a chance to recognize the strength of breast cancer survivors and the importance of having a supportive community around them.
The third annual Chilibreast fundraiser is open to the public, and organizers are encouraging Kingston-area residents to come out, show their support and help keep the Chestmates on the water. Take-out chili is $15 and dine in costs $20 but comes with dessert, tea or coffee, and all the chili fixings. Linsday says public support is greatly appreciated
You can hear our complete conversation with Lindsay below
Story by Brian Turner
