Racing ducks for charity

Duck race set to be quacker time says Christine Walsh.

A New Plymouth charity is set to release 600 flightless ducks into the water ways of central New Plymouth for a good cause.

The majority of the bright yellow birds spent the past year housed in boxes since they were last given the opportunity to spread their wings - rubber wings, that is.

The rubber ducks will be let go for the Red Cross Duck Race and barbecue fundraiser, Ariki St 10.30am – 11.30am, March 19.

The event will not be the most rapid of races, but spectators can still expect to be thrilled as the ducks get carried away.

Anyone can join in by hiring a duck to race; the fun part comes by watching which lucky duck beats the odds to win at 600 to one. Prizes will be awarded for the first three over the line, as well as the lucky last, and wacky hair duck.

The event to raise money for the Red Cross, will go towards New Zealand Red Cross, and promises to be fun for the entire family. Also on offer for race-goers is face painting, a sausage sizzle, with plenty of spot prizes.

‘‘It is a great feeling holding a fun family event and knowing that every duck hired helps vulnerable people in our communities,’’ said Taranaki Red Cross co-ordinator Jess Burrows.

Burrows said the volunteer organisation was also running a social media campaign for the most voted ‘duck face’. To enter post your photo #NZRCDUCKRACEDUCKFACE.

Ducks are available to hire - one duck for $5 or three ducks for $10. Tickets for duck hire will be available on the day or from the Taranaki Red Cross Service Centre on Gill Street, email @redcross.org.nz or phone for further details (06) 7594697.