Rotary taking a second ‘quack’ at duck race fundraiser

Volunteers with the Tillsonburg Rotary Club rounded up several hundred ducks after the rubber ducks made it to the finishing line at last year’s event. (File Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Which duck is the fastest?

The person who knows the answer to that question in regard to the Rotary Club of Tillsonburg’s annual duck race will be $2,500 wealthier. The second-fastest duck will pay off $750, and the third will be worth $250.

After the initial event last year, the Rotary Club is holding another duck race on Saturday, May 23 at 11 a.m. in Coronation Park, adjacent to The Mill. Ducks are for sale now through the website duckrace.rotarytillsonburg.ca, from Rotary members, or at the book fair in the Tillsonburg Town Centre in early May.

Last year saw 710 of a possible 1,000 ducks sold. Funds were used to support the Rotary Club’s community pantry and youth projects, including scholarships, bursaries for school, and other Rotary youth programs.

“It seems positive so far again this year,” said Rotary member Kristofer Layman.

New this year will be flock options, where instead of paying $20 for one duck, supporters can purchase three for $50 or a larger flock of six for $100. Layman said this option is attracting a fair amount of interest.

Rotary members decided last year’s event was a success.

“The benefit is it raises awareness and allows us to engage with the community with people we may not otherwise engage with,” Layman said.