The 11th Annual Royal LePage East Kootenay Realty Food Bank Duck Race is just ten days away and there are still ducks to be sold.
Food Bank directors have been out and about for over a month selling tickets and Cath Oscarson reports that over $16,000 has been banked. But the goal is $20,000.
The duck race sold $20,000 worth of tickets last year and added another $2,083 from the barbecue.
“The Food Bank is a good cause and it feeds a lot of children,” Oscarson said. “In this school district, 25 per cent of kids are fed through the Food Bank. 50 per cent of the clients are children.”
Marilyn Jolie says that while $20,000 may seem like a lot of money, it really will only cover the costs of groceries for the food bank for a month or two.
“Eight to $16 thousand a month is spent on food hampers, plus another $5,000 on emergency hampers,” Jolie said. “Our $22,000 only funds it for a little over a month, that’s all. Groceries have gone up so much. Trying to supply people with wholesome food is expensive.”
Jolie says the Food Bank is grateful for all who assist with the Duck Race.
“We extend out thanks to all the prize donors, to people who have already purchased tickets, and businesses for supporting the Food Bank and the Duck Race.”
“The City provides amazing support as well,” Oscarson said. “They put the ducks in the water, supply picnic tables and garbage bags. They are very, very good to us.”
“And Mayor Don McCormick is our MC every year,” Jolie said. “He is a busy guy and we appreciate him making time for us.”
Oscarson and Kimberley’s ticket-seller extraordinaire Stan Salikin will be at Overwaitea and the BC Liquor Store in the coming days with tickets. They will also be at the Farmers’ Market this Thursday evening. Tickets are also available at local businesses and at the Royale LePage East Kootenay Realty Kimberley office.
FIRST PRIZE • $2500 Donated by Royal LePage East
Kootenay Realtor Marilyn Jolie. SECOND PRIZE • 2 nights free in 3 bedroom condo compliments of Kimberley Lodging Company, 2 rounds of golf from Kimberley Golf Course, and Feast for 4 from the Old Bauernhaus. THIRD PRIZE • $250 Cash compliments of Meadowbrook Greenhouse.
FOURTH PRIZE • 2 Rounds of Golf compliments of Bootleg Gap Golf Course (some restrictions apply).
The ducks will be launched at 12:30 p.m. on Canada Day and should arrive at the Civic Centre area by 1 p.m.