Since 1999, Boat for Hope has brought BC children with disabilities and complex health needs onto the water for an unforgettable day of adventure, inclusion, and community. Supported by Variety BC, volunteers, first responders, and longtime business partners, the annual event has created lasting memories for more than 10,000 children and families while helping make life on the water more accessible for everyone. 

For more than 25 years, Boat for Hope has transformed Vancouver’s waterfront into a pirate-filled celebration focused on something much bigger than costumes and treasure hunts: creating accessible, unforgettable experiences on the water for these children.  

At Mustang Survival, we’re proud to have been part of that mission—and semi-professional pirates—from the very beginning. 

What began as a grassroots idea within BC’s boating community has grown into a cherished annual tradition, bringing together more than 1,000 participants each summer—including children, siblings, caregivers, volunteers, first responders, and marine industry supporters. 

“Last year was the most magical day of volunteering ever,” says Sieneke Toering, PR & Communications Specialist at Mustang Survival. “We helped 200 children with disabilities and complex health needs, alongside their families and caregivers, have the best day while public safety organizations roamed the False Creek waters like pirates.” 

One year, the Coast Guard boat was having a water fight with a boat full of kids and families when a boat of Mustang Survival volunteers approached the kids. They all got together and targeted the person with the ‘funny’ hat—our GTM & Trade Marketing Manager, Guy Rayfield. It’s safe to say the kids won that battle.  

“Why that memory stands out to me was the sheer amount of laughter from the kids and the happiness they had being out there and absolutely soaking me,” says Guy. “The faces of their parents and families smiling and laughing along will stick with me forever.” 

How It All Started 

On a sunny afternoon in 1998, James Safronek and Rick Cassels, a longtime member of the Mustang Survival team, were out on Vancouver’s False Creek reflecting on something many boaters know instinctively: access to the water is something special. 

What started as a casual conversation over food and drinks quickly evolved into a much bigger idea. 

They wanted to create an adventure for children who might otherwise never have the opportunity to spend a day on the water. 

The vision was ambitious from the start: bring hundreds of children with disabilities and complex health needs onto the water for a day built entirely around them. 

Partnering with Variety, the Children’s Charity, they reached out to Vancouver’s boating community. The response was immediate. Volunteers stepped in. Boats were donated. Time, equipment, and resources poured in from across the marine industry. 

Then, on the second Saturday of June in 1999, the first Boat for Hope officially launched. 

More than two decades later, it remains one of Vancouver’s most meaningful annual marine community events. 

More Than a Fundraiser 

Every June, more than 400 children take to the water along False Creek for a pirate-themed adventure complete with costumed crews, hidden treasures, laughter, and plenty of imagination. After returning to shore, families gather at “Treasure Island” in Hastings Mill Park for an accessible community festival featuring games, live entertainment, outdoor activities, and a barbecue. 

For many participating families, Boat for Hope creates experiences that can otherwise feel inaccessible. Accessible shuttles, adaptive lifejackets, and support from the RCMP, Canadian Coast Guard, and RCM-SAR help ensure every child can safely participate with confidence and dignity. 

“At the celebration dinner after the event one year, a kid and his mother made a speech,” says Guy. “She talked about how important this day is for her son and other kids, but also for the families; they can relax and enjoy time with their kids without worrying about everything else in their lives. Before attending this event, I definitely took my lifestyle for granted, and Boat for Hope really puts things into perspective.” 

Beyond that creating these experiences, the funds raised through the event help support Variety’s year-round programs, including medical equipment, therapies, and critical services for children across British Columbia. 

Why It Matters to Mustang Survival 

At Mustang Survival, our purpose—Protecting Life on the Water—extends beyond the products we design and manufacture. It includes supporting the people and organizations that help make the water more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone. 

“By supporting Boat for Hope, we are showing that we protect everyone, not just sailors, boaters or Coast Guard members, but every family that goes on the water,” says Guy. “I always love spotting the Seahorse worn by so many kids on the pirate ships. To partner with so many great companies and sponsor a loot station just simply makes sense and gives back to our community.” 

Bringing together members of the boating, Coast Guard, and Search and Rescue communities alongside Mustang Survival volunteers, Boat for Hope creates a shared experience rooted in service, safety, and connection. 

“Since I’ve worked at Mustang Survival, I’ve been a part of organizing and participating in Boat for Hope,” says Breanna Croxen, Manager, Social Media & Ambassadors. “It’s been such a rewarding experience. Not only does it feel like Christmas for our internal volunteers, but I know that for many families, it’s the one day of the year they get to just feel like a kid. It’s one day where they’re surrounded by other children with similar challenges, and they get to be themselves and feel like a pirate on the water! Seeing just how much they love the event and the reward of giving back keeps me coming back each year.” 

That sense of community became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, when organizers adapted Boat for Hope into a modified drive-through experience at Coquitlam Centre. Treasure stations were still set up, volunteers still showed up, and families drove through to collect pirate “loot” and still experience a small piece of the event during an otherwise isolating time. 

Now celebrating more than 25 years and over 10,000 participating children, Boat for Hope continues to demonstrate what is possible when an entire community shows up with purpose. 

On the second Saturday in June this year, Vancouver’s harbour will once again fill with pirates, laughter, and the kind of joy that leaves ripple effects far beyond the shoreline. 

Learn more about Boat for Hope, including ways to volunteer, participate, or donate.