Rubber Duck Derby raises funds for Project Hope, Colchester Guardian, Feeding Windsor Essex

by Sylene Argent

Excitement was building as the Colchester Guardian rescue vessel released up to 1500 rubber ducks off the shore of Colchester Beach as part of the Rotary Club of Harrow’s annual Rubber Duck Derby on Saturday.

The little rubber duckies were released after the Youth Fishing Derby wrapped up and as anglers began to make their way back to shore as competitors in the annual Greg Horoky Colchester Walleye Derby.

Corrie Bramhall, a member of the Rotary Club of Harrow and Chairperson for the Rubber Duck Derby, was excited to see the interest in this year’s installment, which she believed was one of the best years for the event in the five-years it has been held.

For the event, the members of the Colchester Guardian crew head out away from the shore in the rescue vessel and release the duckies, to see who will win the race and the cash prize. Youths on the beach then enjoy collecting all of the ducks as they make it to shore.

Up to 1500 rubber duckies are launched in the event, depending on how many were sold in this unique fundraiser.

Bramhall said the event proceeds were going to benefit Project Hope, the Colchester Guardian rescue vessel, Feeding Windsor Essex, and nutrition programs at Harrow Public School and St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School.

The event began five-years ago to support Essex Fire & Rescue, which was in need of specific training equipment at the time.

“Every year since, we have been fortunate to have a lot of support from businesses, sponsors, and from the community,” Bramhall added.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said of the event. “You never know where the ducks are going to end up.”

Bramhall thanked all the sponsors, who made the fundraiser possible.