South Surrey paddleboarders raise $213,500 for youth mental health in annual relay race

Twenty-five teams of paddleboarders raised $213,500 for youth mental health programs at Surrey Memorial Hospital during Thursday's eighth annual Champion of the Crescent fundraiser.

Held in South Surrey, the fast-paced, elimination-style relay race drew competitive paddleboarders from across the local community, including Surrey Fire Services members — perennial champions of the event. Indigenous drummers opened the event with a performance.

Surrey Hospitals Foundation chief development officer Maria Faccio served as master of ceremonies and emphasized the cause. "Today we unite for a cause close to all of our hearts — supporting youth mental health in Surrey and in the South Fraser region."

President and CEO Nicole Robson noted the broader context. "What you may not realize is one in four kids in B.C. deal with a mental health crisis or issue. And it starts really young." She pointed out that Surrey, about to become B.C.'s largest city, has 30 per cent of its population under age 20, making youth mental health investment urgent.

Since its launch eight years ago, Champion of the Crescent has raised more than $1.5 million for the foundation's programs. The event is presented by Ellis Don.

Chief operating officer and executive vice president construction Western Canada at Ellis Don David McFarlane framed the day's stakes: "We're here for the kids, but we're also here to raise money to help with the programs that we can provide at Surrey Hospitals Foundation."

For more information, visit surreyhospitalsfoundation.com/paddle2026.