The 25th annual Saskatoon Dragon Boat Festival could raise about 100-thousand dollars each for Ronald McDonald House Charities in this province and the Saskatchewan Chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation.

The foundation hopes to fulfill the wishes of about 70 Saskatchewan children facing life-threatening illnesses this year.

Foundation Manager of Resource Development Shelley Dodds says funding from the festival is crucial since they don’t receive government money.

Ronald McDonald House is now capable of hosting up to 34 families of children in Saskatoon for Cancer treatment and is open every day of the year.

Their Fund Development representative in Saskatchewan Karen Linsley says the festival also allows them to interact with people attending the races.

Over 2500 competitors will begin racing down the South Saskatchewan River at Rotary Park Friday night. The festival wraps up Saturday afternoon