It will be a quacking good time 鈥� all for a great cause.
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 8 Delta and the Delta Marine Rescue Society present the third annual Tour de Duck this Sunday at Deas Island Regional Park.
The event, which is the main fundraiser for the local marine search and rescue group, starts at noon with the duck races commencing at 1:30 p.m.
The event will see more than 4,000 rubber ducks race down the Fraser River. There is also a corporate race that will kick off the festivities with six event sponsors (Ledcor Group, Muscle Memory Personal & Group Training, Princess Auto, West Coast Seeds, White Spot and ZLC Financial) taking part for bragging rights.
Delta South MLA Ian Paton will be on hand as the MC.
Ducks cost $5 each and those that cross the finish line first will earn their corresponding ticket holders a variety of prizes, including a Gulf Islands getaway. Tickets, which have been selling well according to Station 8 members, will be available on event day as well as online at rcmsardelta.com.
The event is free to attend and will also include entertainment, face painting and refreshments.
RCM-SAR member Patty Nugent said fundraising is important to the group because there are only so many other dollars available.
Previously there have been pub fundraisers and other events, but because Delta is a waterfront community, the idea for a Tour de Duck was born. Last year鈥檚 event raised $35,000.
鈥淭he duck races always do well 鈥� they are known internationally for many organizations and groups and it was thought that we would do well,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur first duck race went very well and did generate us some money, so why not a second one and now here we are in year three.鈥�
She said they looked at several locations to hold the event, but found Deas Island to be an ideal spot.
鈥淚 think some of us were skeptical at first,鈥� recalled RCM-SAR member Robb Lucy. 鈥淏ut Patty continued and made it work. It鈥檚 a great event and people always have a fun time.鈥�
Nugent said there couldn鈥檛 be a better group to put on an event of this nature.
鈥淲e know the tides. It鈥檚 what we do 鈥� we are on the water,鈥� she said.
Delta Marine Rescue Society and RCM-SAR member David Wong said it is also another way to make the community aware of Station 8, its volunteer members and what they do.
鈥淏uy a duck and help save a life,鈥� Wong said.
Currently there are 28 members, but more volunteers are always needed. Training is provided. Learn more about Station 8 on its website at rcmsardelta.com.
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