About Boat for Hope

Every summer since 1999, BC's kids with special needs and their families are treated to a day of pirate-themed adventure on the high seas at Boat for Hope, a fundraiser in support of Variety - the Children’s Charity.

Together the local boating and business community create an unforgettable experience for 400+ children, their families and caregivers totalling as many as 900 participants.

For the hundreds of kids who participate every year, the day is a fun-filled opportunity to get out on the water with marauding pirates never far away and enjoy a barbeque in the park with outdoor activities, games and entertainment.

Your heart will forever be changed once you attend Boat for Hope!

Event Details

Date: June 14, 2025

Venue: Royal Vancouver Yacht Club,
3811 Point Grey Rd, Vancouver

Boat Raffle

Deadline: Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Draw: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

Now open!

Donate to variety BC

Video Highlights

Treasure Island

Following the scheduled sailing, each family will be invited to join us at 'Treasure Island' for a barbeque in the park complete with entertainment, outdoor activities and games. When disembarking from your vessel, your 'Cruise Director' will deliver you personally to our land event where tents, tables and chairs will be provided to make it a comfortable and fun-filled afternoon for all.

Why Partner with Boat for Hope?

Sponsorship Package

Thank you to this year’s sponsors

Win a Boat Package!

Win a boat package from GA Checkpoint including:

2025 Highfield RU320 Air
2025 Yamaha F9.9SMHB
2025 Marlon trailer
Custom Boat for Hope UltraDeck KAILANI 20 cooler
(2) Mustang MIT100 Inflatable PFDs
Small Vessel Safety Kit & Mooring lines

Tickets are $20 each

Start Date: Friday, January 24, 2025

End Date: Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11:59pm

Draw Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2024 at 12:00 pm at Variety the Children's Charity, 4300 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, BC

For additional questions, please contact boatforhope@variety.bc.ca

now open!

History

In 1999, James Safronek spoke with some of his close friends about a dream - of sharing his love of boating with children and their families who were not as fortunate as he was. James knew that experiencing the open water was something not everyone had an opportunity to do. It didn’t take long for these friends to put a plan put in place and Boat for Hope was born,

Every year we continue to bring many valued skippers, sponsors and volunteers together, many of whom support the event year after year. James’ vision of Boat for Hope continues and what started in Vancouver as an idea and dream has inspired others around the world to host similar events. We, as a committee, also take great pride in having raised over $3.5 million for Variety - the Children’s Charity here in BC.