The Sooke Harbourside Lions will be holding their sixth annual Duck Race at the Sooke Flats on May 12.
The fundraiser will raise money to send kids with juvenile diabetes to summer camp. All the profits after expenses will be donated towards the BC Lion Society Camp Shawnigan and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as campership funds.
Laurie Spence, Sooke Harbourside Lion, said the purpose of the sponsorships is to allow children to be children, no matter their physical condition or needs.
“That’s what we’re raising money for, so these kids can be kids.”
All costs of the camp will be covered for each sponsored child, which is a gift for parents who can’t afford to shoulder a $2,500 week stay at Camp Shawnigan.
“We can raise money for camperships so that the kids can go at no cost for parents,” Spence said. “It’s nice for the parents to know their kids are having fun and they’re safe and well cared for.”
Camp Shawnigan specifically caters to children with mental and physical disabilities, and has the proper equipment to allow the children to do regular camp activities. There is also a team of highly-trained camp and medical staff on site.
“It’s an amazing, empowering place for kids to be kids and do things they would’ve never dreamed of doing before,” said Susan Percival, Sooke Harbourside Lion.
Last year the Sooke Harbourside Lions raised $6,740 after expenses for camperships.
The event will take place at the Sooke Flats, where the hundreds of rubber ducks will be released into the Sooke River. The owners of the first six ducks to pass the finish line will be awarded cash prizes.
First place will be awarded $1,000, second $500, third $400, fourth $300, fifth $200 and sixth $100.
There will also be awareness activities for juvenile diabetes, games and food.
The Lions will be selling tickets on Sooke Road near the Sooke Region Museum on Thursday from 5-6:30 p.m.
A single ticket is $5 and a Quack Pack (five tickets) can be purchased for $20.
Tickets are also available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pemberton Homes.
