Bernie’s Boat again held it’s Flowers on the Water ceremony on Wednesday, June 17th at Chesley St. docks in Southampton, an event that is a tribute to breast cancer survivors.
Bernie’s Boat movement, is named after the woman, Bernie Schlauch, who started the Grey Bruce Dragon Boat Club (GBDBC), but who passed away in 2013 from metastatic breast cancer before she was able to realize her dream of forming a boat of breast cancer survivors. While she did not see her dream come to reality, in 2024, Geordie Farrell of Saugeen Shores took up the torch and began the local chapter of Bernie’s Boat.
Bernie Schlauch was a vivacious personality with a passion and enthusiasm for life that endeared her to everyone. “Bernie was born in Ireland,” said husband John, “and she loved life, and she never gave up.”
Bernie also loved ‘bling’ and she loved pearls so the ‘paddlers in pink’ wear pearls as a “… core part of their identity with her and the boat is named Pearl.” Bernie had grit, indomitable spirit, power of persuasion, strong work ethic, courage and a love of life … words that have also been used to describe Farrell.
“We are so thankful to Bernie’s husband John, who let us use Bernie’s name for our boat and our support program,” said Farrell.
The survivors paddle for strength, connection, and fun and, through teamwork and determination, they celebrate life, support each other, and embrace the healing power of the water.
In preparation for the paddle and Flowers on the Water (2026), Saugeen First Nation Elder, Shirley John, presented a traditional Indigenous song and prayer especially for the women in families, ‘The Grandmothers’ Song’.
She also described her bouquet of flowers. “White is for survivors, pink is for hope and black is for those who have gone on to the Spirit World.”
Although poignant and emotional, the ceremony was also uplifting as families and friends of those who have been lost to cancer, and those who are survivors, gathered on the bank of the Saugeen River.
Deputy Mayor Diane Huber told of her own story as a survivor and said that her doctor, Dr. Kahn, told her that “…you will not believe how quickly the health care system will kick in”. “As a member of Council we hear about the deficiencies and challenges in the health care system, but he was right. I couldn’t believe how fast things happened. Also, the nurses in the chemo lounge are incredible and, sitting in those chairs, I read a lot of Council documents.”
Huber added that “…a community is better because of the people who live in it. I think each of us, as we do things in this community, and there are three or four people together, chances are that one or two, or every person, has either dealt with breast cancer or another form of cancer or knows somebody that has. It’s pretty pervasive in our community and this is a wonderful celebration and, on behalf of Council, thank you for participating in this.”
Other speakers also gave testimonials of those who have recently been lost to the disease, and their family members then had the opportunity to mark a seat on the boat with their loved-ones’ names.
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In a very short time since Bernie’s Boat inception in Saugeen Shores, the indomitable Farrell and her team have created awareness, accessed financing, achieved charitable status, acquired coaching and safety certification, recruited paddlers, acquired equipment and a docking facility and … created that human spirit that is impossible to subdue or defeat.
“I want to especially thank the Martin family of Southampton,” said Farrell. “They allowed us to use their dock here on the river and, today, they donated a trailer complete with decals that will hold all of our paddling gear and, in addition, the new Saugeen Shores Men’s Shed retrofitted the inside for all our gear.”
For larger view, click on image
Since its short inception, Bernie’s Boat has had many sponsors, including founding sponsors Southampton Rotary and Legion Branches 155 and 340, Platinum sponsors, Martin’s Bicycle Shop and Chantry Island Cham-bettes, Gold sponsor Thorncrest Outfitters, Silver sponsors Dasa Properties, Elgin Jewellers, Fitness Corner of Southampton, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 340 … and many more.
Oncologist, Dr. Aboo, with Brightshores Health Care staff, attended again this year and reiterated that, “This is an exciting time. I have been working for 18 years in this field and things have progressed in a very dramatic and better way. There is no specific age group, as we see cancer in all ages and at different stages, but we have seen progress in each and every stage. Patients are definitely living longer and more patients than ever before are living longer.”
He added that one of the barriers for some patients is the thought of losing their hair as a result of treatment. “Treatments today have evolved and include advances such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, as well as the traditional radiation and chemotherapy. There is a lot of hope and this boat is an illustration of patients’ success.”
In a movingly poignant moment, the boat left the dock and moved out into the river where it stopped and waited as those on shore tossed flowers on the waters in memory of loved ones while the song ‘Flower on the Water’ by Australian performer John Williamson played, bringing many to tears.
Dragon Boating for Breast Cancer Survivors has now become an international movement that was inspired by the research of Canadian sports medicine specialist Don McKenzie. Survivors of breast cancer come together to paddle dragon boats for the benefit of their physical and social well-being.
Farrell explained that, “Bernie’s Boat is a registered charity and therefore, donors will receive a tax receipt managed by Canada Helps. Your donation will directly help breast cancer survivors in Bruce and Grey through our newly established Sisterhood Support Fund. Please check out our website for more information. www.berniesboat.ca
