VancouverMETRO VANCOUVER NEWS
Maple Ridge duck race raises more than $97,000 for local groups
Thirty-two youth, seniors and other local groups shared proceeds from the 15th annual Rotary Duck Race, which raised more than $97,000. Groups received $8 from each $10 ticket sold.
Youth and seniors groups in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows received payouts for taking part in the Rotary Duck Race. Representatives from most of the 32 groups gathered recently at Meadow Gardens Golf Club to collect the proceeds. 1st Pitt Meadows Scouts sold the most tickets and received $8,000. Ridge Meadows Minor Softball Association received $7,680, followed by 1st Laity View Scouts with $7,040. Christina Shearme, of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Seniors Network Society, received $1,712. She said the money will help create more chances for local seniors to connect, take part and enjoy community activities throughout the year. It will support events such as Seniors Sneak Peek at Country Fest, a Wellness Fair and an upcoming movie day, including treats and refreshments. She added that community funding helps keep the network’s activities accessible and engaging, and thanked Ridge Meadows Rotary and everyone who supported the race.
Natasha Dusault received $1,360 on behalf of Ridge Meadows Special Olympics. She said selling tickets for the race was easy and fun. Special Olympics athletes have sold tickets for more than seven years. Dusault said the money will go towards equipment for the different sports and sending athletes to championships across the province and country.
The 15th annual race was held Sunday, Aug. 9, with thousands of rubber ducks racing along the Alouette River in Maple Ridge Park. It raised more than $97,000 for participating clubs, which receive $8 from every $10 ticket sold. The park also hosted games, live music and a family festival before and after the race. Sheila Schmidt won the $15,000 grand prize when her duck reached the finish line first. Dom Lombardi took second prize: $1,200 cash and a $1,200 shopping spree at Marks. The third-place duck, bought by Daniela Rocha, won 10 rounds of golf and five carts at Meadow Gardens Golf Course, valued at $1,365. Daniel St. Pierre won the fourth prize, $1,000 donated by Centra Law. Ron Eggen won a Samsung 65-inch smart TV valued at $1,000, provided by Haney Appliance & Sound.
Organizers added 1,000 ducks this year because they nearly sold out last year. Meadow Ridge Rotary kept 20 per cent of ticket revenue to cover the grand prize. Other groups and their payouts were: 1st Haney Scouts, $6,968; 1st Whonnock Scouts, $1,632; 583 Coronation Squadron, $1,600; Alexander Robinson Elementary, $896; Alouette River Management Society, $3,068; Canadian Parents for French Ridge Meadows Chapter, $1,120; Chrysta ABA Academy Society, $2,080; tseet muhxw Environmental Community, $1,600; Garibaldi Secondary School music program, $1,120; Garibaldi Secondary School Parent Advisory Council, $320; Glen Valley 4H, $880; Harry Hooge Elementary PAC, $1,176; Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society, $2,268; Kids Sport Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows, $800; Laityview Elementary School PAC, $1,280; Maple Ridge Adventure Preschool Society, $1,032; Maple Ridge Concert Band Association, $1,840; MRSS Wrestling (PAC), $2,800; North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association, $1,200; Pathfinders Youth Centre (Madhatters), $1,632; Pitt Meadows Elementary School PAC, $1,920; Pitt River 4H Lamb, Beef & Swine Club, $1,152; Ridge Canoe & Kayak Club, $1,552; Ridge Meadows Bruins Rugby Club, $2,056; Ridge Meadows CDC, $1,648; Ridge Meadows Racers Speed Skating Club, $640; and Yennadon Elementary School PAC, $560.