History

In 1984, CHUB Radio organized a fun-filled event to assist the Show You Care Society, a Vancouver-based charity that provided financial aid to children and families needing to travel to the United States to access kidney transplants. When those operations became available locally the Society closed down. CHUB Radio decided to continue with the event and selected the Nanaimo Child Development Centre as the recipient of the funds raised. In 1998, the Nanaimo Child Development Centre became the sole organizers of The Silly Boat Regatta and has continued to grow and raise much-needed funds for the Centre every year.

The Silly Boat Regatta is recognized as one of Nanaimo’s premier events with over 8,000+ participants and spectators and over 150 volunteers. It is no question this event is the largest community fundraiser for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre with a number of local businesses sponsors leading the way. What makes this memorable and free family event successful every year is the staff, volunteers and community members who help make it happen! The funds raised go directly toward helping provide programs, services and equipment to children with identified special needs.