THUNDER BAY — The sun was shining when roughly 2000 ducks took to the water at the Fort William Historical Park for the Kam River Ultimate Duck Race’s second year.
The race offered all who joined the chance to enjoy some free crafts, face painting and walk around the Fort.
Our Kids Count organized the fundraiser in partnership with the Kam River Fighting Walleye to help provide food support in the community.
“Right now, in Thunder Bay, we’re seeing a growing number of families that are struggling, paycheck to paycheck, unable to necessarily purchase the amount of food that they need,” said Sonia Kruger, Our Kids Count’s fundraising coordinator.
“And so, our food security programs are always at the forefront of what we do at Our Kids Count. And so really what this is going to do is provide meals for families, provide opportunities for families to take home food and to enjoy all of our free programs, including workshops and everything that we do here.”
However, while it is a fundraiser for Our Kids Count, she added that it is also really about giving back to families.
“We wanted to create a fun (and) free family event while also raising funds for families in the community,” said Kruger.
Kruger said they put on this fundraiser because they really wanted to start off summer on the right foot.
“I think any amount of money that we raise is just a bonus,” said Kruger.
“The really positive thing about this event is that it’s free and it’s for families that can really come enjoy the Fort William Historical Park, enjoy the summer, enjoy the weather (and) have some fun with some ducks.”
However, even the best-laid plans can change with the current.
“A couple of hours before the duck race, we did do a trial. The river was going the right way. We had a winner. It was great as a trial…,” said Kruger.
“And then when we did it for real, unfortunately, the river changed directions on us.”
Despite the mishap, Kruger said she was hopeful with the right situation in place, they’d have a clear winner.
“We’re going to put the ducks in the right direction with the way that the wind is now going and we’re going to have a winner who’s going to win $10,000 and it’s going to be a great end to a great day,” said Kruger.
It was roughly an hour later, after the ducks were collected and the race restarted at the midway point of the river, that duck 104, belonging to Jackie Gale, had the opportunity to pass the finish line and take home the first prize.
When called, she was excited about winning, the organizers said.
“Honestly, everything has a little bit of unexpected things happen, but you always make the best of a bad situation and what more could you want? Beautiful day, lots of ducks (and) lots of families,” said Kruger.
She added that they have many events coming up and are so excited about all of them.
Our Kids Count will have a Big Brothers Big Sisters Golf Tournament on July 17 and Ribfest themed around ‘picnic in the park’ at Marina Park from Aug. 21 to 24.
“We’re just hoping that you’ll come and visit us throughout the summer and enjoy the summer with Our Kids Count,” said Kruger.
