Duck Derby success will help grant three Make-awish wishes in Saskatchewan

A special fundraiser was held on Labour Day in order to raise support to grant wishes to deserving recipients through Make-a-wish in Saskatchewan.

Bella and Avery’s Duck Derby was hosted on Monday afternoon along the Swift Current Creek, with the fundraiser generating over $35,000 which is enough to grant over three wishes to waiting Makea-wish wish recipients.

“The support was absolutely phenomenal. I’m almost speechless by how many people have donated, and sponsors have stepped up and given big money, and its just been great to see,” event organizer Andrea Orr admitted moments after the conclusion of Monday’s fundraiser. “It’s such a Saskatchewan thing for everyone to come together, but they truly have. But there was across the country support as well,”

A total of 1,380 ducks were dumped into the Swift Current Creek despite organizers only having three weeks to sell ducks in support of the campaign. A total of $5,000 was raised through a 50/50 draw, sponsorships raised $10,000, while duck sales, well wish cards from Charitycards.ca, plus donations combined to raise the final total.

Orr, who is the caregiver for previous wish recipient Avery, said wishes through Make-a-wish have a significant impact.

“It just means so much to us. When Avery received her wish of a hot tub in 2019 I don’t think people realize how that can impact not just with Wish Kid’s life but their family. We come home from hard days in hospital, or for months on end of being in hospital, and the first think Avery wants is her hot tub. Just to jump in and relax, and know that she’s stress free and can just recharge. And so for us it has meant the world to have that wish. And now to be able to give back to other kids who are waiting on wishes, especially because Make-a-wish has taken such a hit over the last couple of years with COVID, we just really wanted to give back as much as we could. So I’m just absolutely ecstatic at $35,000.”

Bella Thomson, who had her wish granted earlier this year, was impressed with the day.

“I loved it. Thank you,” the seven-year-old said with an ear to ear grin while thanking Orr for her efforts.

Bella’s mom Kyla Thomson pointed out the importance of helping other wish children after having their own wish granted.

“With my daughter already being a Wish Kid and having her wish granted, we are just happy to come here and help support Andrea and all her hard work in helping other kids in Saskatchewan get wishes as well.”

“I am just so happy to see Saskatchewan people come together like they always do. Whether it’s online or in Swift Current, everyone is aware and happy to support it, and that has just been my favourite thing about this.”

Bella was granted her wish of receiving an outdoor playhouse, and the family is still appreciative of that wish being granted.

“It really meant a lot for Bella because she’s currently waiting for a bowel transplant and so having her wish to be able to come true like it has, she can enjoy life like a kid should before she has to go back into hospital again.”