A pirate's adventure

Kids, pirates and sea mates took to Okanagan Lake over the weekend for the annual Variety Boat for Hope.

It was an unforgettable adventure for about 200 special-needs children and their families. 

Festively decorated "pirate ships" gathered at the downtown marina Saturday and escorted the young buccaneers to treasure station boats on the lake in a quest for loot.

“The Boat for Hope event is a unique experience for families with children who have special needs, made possible because an entire community comes together to make it happen,” says Bernice Scholten, Variety’s executive director.

Skippers from the boating community along with local businesses came together to make the annual event entertaining for the families – as well as help Variety raise funds to help more sick children.

The Kelowna Yacht Club and Okanagan Boys & Girls Clubs teamed up to host the day.