For the second year in a row, “Operation Duck Drop” was a quacking success.
A total of 2,600 rubber ducks were dropped into the Penticton Channel on Saturday, May 25, as the community rallied to raise a combined $61,000. A portion of the funds will go to the Dragonfly Pond Society and BC Firefighters Burn Fund.
That beats last year’s efforts when $4,000 was raised during the event.
The second annual “Operation Duck Drop,” however, also served as a duck race.
Close to 100 people came out to watch the ducks float down the Channel towards Skaha.
The owner of the fastest duck will win $10,000, while second and third place will take home $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. The last-place finisher, meanwhile, will win $1,000.
Rubber ducks were sold ahead of the event, in support of the BC Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund.
Sarah Tucker, organizing committee president of “Operation Duck Drop,” said the event is a symbol of community togetherness.
“Being able to hand money over at the end to someone like Dragonfly, who is a smaller organization, and helping them realize their goals is rewarding,” Tucker said. “Also to have the Burn Fund and local firefighters…it’s all just amazing.”
Upon dropping the rubber ducks into the Channel, organizers estimated that it would take about 90 minutes for them to reach the end of the river.
An after-party at the end of the Channel wrapped up the day, with live music, silent auction, games, prizes and a barbecue headlining festivities.
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