Seven mobile organizations will take to the water this Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Montreal, June 3, 2026 — When homelessness can make headlines thanks to inspiring stories, it's important to highlight it! This Saturday, June 6, at the Olympic Basin in Parc Jean-Drapeau, people who have experienced homelessness, addiction, and mental illness will take up paddling alongside outreach workers and volunteers for the 7th Homelessness Challenge Cup, as part of the H2O Open.
This dragon boat competition, which kicks off the season in Montreal, will bring together no fewer than seven community organizations and their beneficiaries on the water: Maison du Père, L'Itinéraire, Le Pas de la rue, Old Brewery Mission, La rue des Femmes, Toit à moi, and Le Sac à dos. Young athletes from Club de Handball Celtique Montréal, under the guidance of Maison du Père's Executive Director, Jaëlle Bégarin, will lend a hand to any incomplete teams.
The event, born from the friendship between André Leroux, an intervener at the Maison du Père, and Jean-Marie Lapointe, was sealed on the set of the docu-reality "Face à la rue", which won a Gémeaux award in 2018.
« On the boat, there is no longer any social status. Staff, people being supported, and volunteers, we are all equal, with the same goal: to reach the finish line! " summarizes André Leroux to explain why this initiative remains refreshing year after year.
The best part? Spectators applauding and congratulating them. A rare recognition in the daily lives of people experiencing homelessness. In life, as in a dragon boat, it's one for all and all for one.
« Pushing their limits, getting a natural dopamine and adrenaline rush, working as a team and having fun: for these people, it can only do them good. " adds Jean-Marie Lapointe.
The practice session on Thursday, June 4 (from 16:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) and the competition on Saturday, June 18 are offered free of charge, courtesy of Christian, Pierre-Olivier, and Rebecca from H2O Bateau Dragon. The coxswains and coaches are also volunteering their time.
« We are filled with a wonderful sense of generosity, and we know all the good that such an activity can bring."r," Rebecca Burns points out.
About the H2O Open
Le H2O Open marks the start of the dragon boat season in Montreal. At the Olympic basin in Parc Jean-Drapeau, sports and community teams compete in a festive atmosphere during speed and endurance races, for an energetic spectacle full of power, synchronization and team spirit.
