Paddle for Life’s dragon boat fundraiser off, but aid still sought

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Paddle for Life’s annual dragon boat fundraiser was canceled.

The event was set for Aug. 1 at Lake River in Ridgefield to benefit FISH Westside Food Pantry of Vancouver and Food with Friends.

“Even at this early date, planning and preparation have been severely hampered, leading directors to conclude a successful event would be near impossible,” Paddle for Life said in a news release Monday.

Event coordinators are instead asking the public to become “donation dragons” and consider making a financial donation to one or both nonprofits. Donations can also be made at paddleforlife.org or by mailing a check to Paddle for Life, 10013 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., PMB 237, Vancouver, WA 98685. Paddle for Life said the needs of these two organizations have only become greater during the COVID-19 crisis.

FISH expects its food supplies to be drained in the coming weeks as more people turn to emergency food boxes. The food pantry seeks financial donations to help purchase food and cover operational costs, as well as in-kind donations of canned vegetables, fruit, cereal, boxed meals and canned meals. Contact James Fitzgerald at jamesf@fishvancouver.org for more information. Those interested in volunteering at the pantry can call 360-566-3243.

Food with Friends looks to expand capacity of its shower trailer program and needs skilled trade workers to do plumbing, electrical and carpentry work, as well as funding for increased operational costs. Anyone looking to help can contact Cherish DesRochers-Vafeados at info@foodwithfriends.net or 360-723-5791.