Gordon Robertson Beauty Academy Raises Thousands for Breast Cancer Fundraiser
by Marilyn Santucci
On Sunday, August 24, students and staff from the Gordon Robertson Beauty Academy came together at the Pointe-Claire Canoe Club for an inspiring dragon boat race. For months, they dedicated their time and energy to raising funds for the West Island Dragons—a team that paddles not only for sport, but as a joyful celebration of life and a powerful reminder that healthy, active living is possible after breast cancer.
The West Island Dragons bring together members from across the West Island of Montreal, representing cities such as Pointe-Claire, Pierrefonds, Saint-Lazare, Île-Bizard, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Pincourt, Beaconsfield, and Kirkland. The team was founded in 2003 by a group of determined women, all breast cancer survivors, who shared the same goal: to rebuild strength, vitality, and purpose after their diagnosis and treatment.
The connection between the Gordon Robertson Beauty Academy and the West Island Dragons began through the school’s oncology facial program, offered in partnership with the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre in Kirkland. It was there that students and staff first met the Dragons, who invited them to experience paddling together—a gesture that sparked a lasting bond.
The connection between the Gordon Robertson Beauty Academy and the West Island Dragons began through the school’s oncology facial program, offered in partnership with the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre in Kirkland. It was there that students and staff first met the Dragons, who invited them to experience paddling together—a gesture that sparked a lasting bond.
“I realized that Gordon Robertson Beauty Academy could do more,” says teacher and fundraiser organizer, Tina Mercuri. “As a community, not only as students, we want to show people how much you can do for your community and the value of doing so. We started raising money by offering treatments at the school. There was a small fee for these services, and over a few months, the funds went directly to support the West Island Dragons.”
That spirit of giving and connection came full circle on race day, when students and staff joined the Dragons at the Pointe-Claire Canoe Club—not just as supporters, but as teammates, celebrating strength, resilience, and community together. In total, more than $3,000 was raised. The funds will help support a future trip to France, where the West Island Dragons will join other breast cancer survivors from around the world in an international race—a powerful celebration of strength, resilience, and community.
For Sherri MacCallum, a retired LBPSB Special Education Technician and member of the West Island Dragons, the involvement of students and staff from the Gordon Robertson Beauty Academy has not gone unnoticed.
“Gordon Robertson Beauty Academy reached out to us this year wanting to raise money for our team. They’ve done so much for us—offering facials, manicures, and haircuts—all to support our fundraising efforts. It’s truly amazing.”
