White Rock firefighters host Father's Day fishing derby Sunday
The inaugural Reel Heroes fishing derby casts off June 21 at 9:30 a.m. from White Rock pier, with proceeds supporting the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund.
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The White Rock firefighters' inaugural Father's Day Fishing Derby—called "Reel Heroes"—is set to launch Sunday, June 21 at 9:30 a.m. from the city's iconic pier and dock, running through 1:30 p.m.
Firefighter Thomas Goulet conceived the idea after volunteering last summer at the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Camp in Squamish, which hosts approximately 70 children aged six to 18 annually for a week of "connection, empowerment and fun." Witnessing the camp's impact on young burn survivors inspired Goulet to organize a fundraiser.
The derby's timing aligns with B.C.'s Family Fishing Weekend (June 19-21), when freshwater and saltwater fishing license requirements are waived for Canadian residents. Goulet hopes the derby becomes an annual tradition.
Participants are encouraged to pre-register and bring their own rods. Goulet is still recruiting spare rods for those without their own, and is seeking donations of rods and prizes through whiterockfirefighters.ca or Instagram (@whiterockfirefighters). Rods can also be dropped at the White Rock Firehall, 15315 Pacific Avenue. Sign up at tinyurl.com/FathersDayFishing2026. Walk-ins are welcome. Entry is a minimum $5 donation.