Row-a-thon raises over $13,000 for Row to Grow programs across BC

Row-a-thon raises over $13,000 for Row to Grow programs across BC

What is the Row to Grow program?

Row to Grow is a multi-year pilot project combining research on the impact of rowing for youth with Cerebral Palsy with a custom-made learn to row program. The project was launched in Summer 2024 by the Motion Lab at BC Children’s Hospital, supported by the I’m a HIPpy Foundation and the Peterson Fund. It is proudly backed by Rowing BC, Rowing Canada Aviron, and four rowing clubs across British Columbia. Since its launch, the program has introduced the sport of rowing to children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, providing them with an opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive through teamwork, discipline, and physical activity.

Participants join the program by being invited by their physiotherapist to be a research study participant at the Motion Lab at BC Children’s Hospital. As part of the study, they take part in a learn to row program at a local rowing club along with a buddy of their choosing. Many participants join with a good friend or sibling so they have peer support while trying something new! The research component continues during and after the seasonal learn to row program. Then those who have fallen in love with the sport of rowing are invited to continue rowing with the Junior program at that local rowing club either recreationally or competitively – whatever suits their personal goals.

21 participants have taken part in the Row To Grow program so far. Three of these participants have started competing at regattas throughout the province! Additionally, one previous Row To Grow participant is beginning to coach para rowing programs, including the next cohort of Row To Grow participants!

Thanks to the support of grants, sponsorships, donations and in-kind contributions, participants in the Row to Grow program do not need to pay out of pocket to participate in the learn to row program, or as they continue to row recreationally or competitively at their local rowing club.

Shattering last year’s donation record!

In 2025, the leadership group behind the Row To Grow program held an inaugural Row-a-Thon fundraiser. During this event, they kept four rowing machines active for twelve hours, by volunteers signing up to row for 15 minute increments. The event raised over $9000 to support the Row-to-Grow program, which has helped cover registration fees for participants so they have been able to keep rowing, and has contributed to the purchase of an adaptive double boat. Take a look back at the full story from the 2025 event HERE.

This year’s event was hosted on Saturday, August 22nd at the Jack Poole Plaza in front of the Vancouver Convention Center. Five rowing machines were kept consistently active from 8 AM – 8 PM with a variety of rowers, Row to Grow participants, and their supporters signing up for increments of 15 min or more throughout the day. Passersby had the opportunity to learn the basics of rowing on an erg, and try their best in the 100m race challenge. Thanks to product sponsors of the event, there were draw prizes awarded hourly for those participating to keep the morale high all day!

In advance of the row-a-thon, a variety of additional fundraising and awareness events were hosted. This included Row to Grow participants and coaches helping at the Delta Deas Come Try Day, a boat washing day at the Burnaby Lake Rowing Club, strength & conditioning sessions hosted by Row to Grow physiotherapists and coaches at the Burnaby Lake Rowing Club and Vancouver Rowing Club, and learn to erg sessions at Shit + Lift Gym in Richmond.

Thanks to the generosity of a large group of donors, more than $13,000 was fundraised through these endeavours! This funding will substantially support the continuation of the Row to Grow program. Thank you to each and every donor!

You can still make a donation HERE that will go straight to this program!

In addition, we wish to thank all of the organizations which supported this year’s Row-a-thon with financial and/or in-kind support:

  • Blundell Center
  • Burnaby Lake Rowing Club
  • Delta Deas Rowing Club
  • Lululemon
  • Motion Lab at BC Children’s Hospital
  • Native Shoes
  • Rowing BC
  • Rowing Canada Aviron
  • Shift + Lift Fitness
  • I’m a HIPpy Foundation and Pederson Fund
  • Vancouver Convention Center
  • Vancouver Rowing Club
  • Victoria City Rowing Club

Want to know more?

Feel free to reach out for additional details about the Row To Grow program and coaching rowing for youth with Cerebral Palsy. You can contact us here:

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