Bed Races on Beacon are back this summer and the reigning champions from CCM Construction have challenged the other teams to bring their A-game.
The wacky races are a popular fixture on the summer calendar, taking place this year on Sunday, July 7 at 1 p.m.
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Squads of four people push a bed piloted by a team member down Beacon Avenue, with two substitutes hovering nearby, in a fun event hosted by the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation (SPHHF).
The event raises much-needed funds for the SPHHF and this year all monies raised will go towards Shoreline Medical’s Youth Health Clinic.
“There’s a prize for best costume and the whole nine yards. It’s a lot of fun,” says Jan Buehler, SPHHF manager of annual campaign and fundraising operations.
Last year 10 teams competed, with CCM Construction taking both the Golden Bed Pan award for winning the race as well as the prize for best costumes.
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The team, whose racing slogan is “Building a Bedder Future,” are looking forward to this year’s event and hope to reclaim their title.
“We’re a local company in Sidney so we’re excited to be a part of it. It’s great for the community and the hospital,” says Justin Wendt, a project manager with CCM. “I can’t tell you what we’ll be wearing before game day but we’re looking for a clean sweep again. We challenge them [rival teams] to bring their best, they’ll need it.”
The friendly race takes place between 2nd and 5th streets and finishes at 3 p.m.
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Spectators interested in supporting can sponsor teams, donate on the day and buy raffle tickets. This year’s big-ticket item is three nights at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in Ucluelet. Buehler says music performances are scheduled for after the race to keep the party atmosphere going.
“Hopefully people will come out and cheer us on or participate and then enjoy an afternoon of music,” she says.
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