University of Victoria Rowing is asking for help to raise $15,000 to replace boat damaged in Shawnigan Lake bus crash in December. File photo.
The University of Victoria rowing team is asking for help raising funds to replace a critical piece of equipment for their annual encounter with UBC in April.
In December, the team was working in collaboration with Rowing Canada and headed for the Shawnigan Lake Boathouse for the last day of the Under-23 Winter Camp.
But a crash with a school bus on Renfrew Road, near Shawnigan Lake school, ended up with the newly christened Howie Campbell varsity eight rowing scull going through the bus windshield.
READ MORE: Rowing scull goes through bus windshield in Shawnigan Lake crash
The bus driver and the driver of the truck carrying rowing personnel were treated for non-life threatening injuries.
However, the Howie Campbell is a write-off and the rowing team says insurance covered the largest portion of the hull, but they are still $15,000 short to meet full replacement value.
The Vikes say the boat is essential for their Brown Cup race against UBC, which enters its 26th year of competition April 8.
The Vikes rowing team has a donations page set up to help with donations.
Andy Neal
