Most people would agree that Dragon Boat racing is all about teamwork and unity, but in the case of The Apprentice’s, their involvement in the Orillia Dragon Boat Festival means more than that.

The Apprentice’s are a group of family and friends who have formed a Dragon Boat Team to honour the late Bob Fletcher.  As a result of pledges earned through the festival and through memorial donations, the team has been able to create The Apprenticeship Bursary Fund through the Community Foundation of Orillia & Area.

“The group decided on a Dragon Boat team because in racing you require both solidarity and hard work to be successful.  These are traits that he both reflected and admired.” said Bob’s grandson Scott Barker.

The Apprenticeship Bursary Fund is meant to assist apprenticing students with their day to day costs so that they can focus on learning.

Bob worked as an electrician for over 50 years in the Orillia area. As a hard working, honest and reliable man, Bob was an excellent and tough teacher to those he mentored and taught.  Bob had many apprentices during his time as an electrician and has been described by many as having instilled in them a remarkable work ethic and a commitment to the job that all employers wish to see.

The Apprenticeship Bursary Fund is one of 17 endowment funds held and managed by the Community Foundation of Orillia & Area.