Retail Trust | The only charity that looks after the needs of three million people working in retail.

Dragon Boats race ahead for Retail Trust

The Western Harbour at Ocean Terminal played host to one of Scotland’s biggest and most spectacular charity events on Saturday (23 June) as 28 teams paddled it out in the Dragon Boat Race.

The Dragon Boat Race was jointly organised by Retail Trust, Ocean Terminal and Leith Rotary, and followed last year’s successful event, which raised over £15,000 for charities. This year, total funds raised will be announced in August and it is anticipated they will be well in excess of last year’s amount.

The teams came from all over Scotland and were drawn from businesses, public sector teams, charities and voluntary sector and communities. Retail teams were enthusiastic participants in the event, both as fundraisers and out on the water, Matalan, House of Fraser and Debenhams all took part, with Debenhams taking 3rd place overall.

Michelle Macleod, Deputy Centre Manager at Ocean Terminal, who was paddling in Retail Trust's boat said: "Retail Trust has become more and more involved in dragon boat racing over the years. It’s a fantastic spectacle and great fun for participant and spectator alike, which is not to say that the competition was anything other than deadly serious.

"All were paddling with one aim in mind – to make it to the final and win. But even those who were not first over the finishing line knew that the nominated charities were winners."

Nigel J L Rothband Chief Executive from Retail Trust said: "Retail Trust was proud to be able to help organise an event like this. Individual shops are renowned for their generosity and enterprise in supporting charities.

"We are also very aware of how much we depend on the communities we serve, and to be able to put something back on this scale is a great privilege. It is a way of demonstrating the contribution that retailers make to the lives of their communities in a very practical and worthwhile way. The day was a huge success, great fun, but also a phenomenal fund-raising exercise."

Stephanie Donaghey from Leith Rotary Club, partners in the event added: "It was a great day for Leith, and made the most of our spectacular waterside setting and drew on the amazing community spirit that we have here. The Dragon Boat Regatta was a great example of what a bunch of enthusiasts can do and we’re very grateful to all the partners that helped to float the event this year.

"It was a fantastic mid-summer day out for the family and it’s hard to imagine better ways of raising so much money by having so much fun."