With the arrival of spring and many northern waterways thawing out, the organizers of the Performance Boat Club of Canada are looking forward to another strong season of fundraising through poker runs. The club will host five runs this year.

Since 2007, the PBBC has raised more than $500,000 for charities including Tim Horton’s Foundation, the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, the Canadian Diabetes Association, Never Quit Wounded Heroes and The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of Canada, as well local youth homeless shelters, fire departments and hospice centers.

Fundraising—and good times on the water—will once again be a major part of all Performance Boat Club of Canada poker runs this season. Photos courtesy/copyright Carl McBride.

“Given that we are such a small club, with an average of 15 to 20 boats per run, the amount of money we have raised is quite impressive,” said Meghan Brousseau, the club’s president. “Our members are some of the most generous people in boating today. They love getting together with like-minded friends while at the same time raising money for a good cause.”

Founded in the 1990s, the PBBC reorganized in 2007 and began its focus on charity for fundraising through poker runs. Much of the money the club raises reportedly comes from auctions during post-run banquets and award ceremonies.

Post run activities also are targeted at raising money for charity.

“Items are donated through the generosity of members and friends, and have ranged from NHL hockey tickets, a weeklong stay at a member’s Florida home, electronics, and even a T-shirt signed by one of the members as a joke,” said Brousseau. “Thousands of dollars are usually raised through both a silent and live auction. The club also does 50/50 draws, and this year we plan on offering cash prizes for best poker hands at two of our events.”

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