 |
|
 |
 |
 |
Abreast In A Boat
Spreading a Message
of Hope
Challenge
Abreast In A Boat was founded as the world’s first dragon boat team comprised entirely of breast cancer survivors. From its very beginning, AIAB has been dedicated to spreading a message of hope that women can lead active and full lives after breast cancer. The challenge was how to do it as a volunteer not-for-profit organization.
Solution
Contemporary Communications has been honoured to provide communications counsel and support to AIAB on a pro bono basis since its start in 1996. Over the years, we have media trained spokespeople, helped board members write communications plans, written and distributed media materials on the team’s behalf, and prepared them for national tours and international events.
To celebrate the 10th paddling season, Abreast In A Boat called on us to help plan, promote and host the first international breast cancer dragon boat festival. As part of the organizing team for six months, our support included sponsorships, media relations, promotions, government relations, participant communications, event planning and writing. We presented a media relations seminar for delegates, formed a team for the sponsors’ race and emceed the races for two days.
Results
Ten Years Abreast Celebration, held in Vancouver from June 24 to 26, 2005, was a successful and moving occasion. Fifteen hundred paddlers and hundreds of their supporters participated, representing 62 crews from across Canada, the United States, Italy, Poland, Australia, Singapore and New Zealand. Representatives from all three levels of Canadian government attended the opening festival, and the City of Vancouver proclaimed June 26 as Abreast In A Boat Day.
Media coverage was substantial, with more than 45 positive stories in local and national media. Print coverage included cover stories, news articles, feature items and profiles, with radio and TV coverage totalling more than 68 minutes of on-air time.
We are very proud to play a part in growing an organization that has now become an international movement with more than 100 teams around the world.
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
| |
Abreast In A Boat called on us
to plan, promote and host the first international breast cancer dragon boat festival. |
|
|
|
|
