LGH Foundation’s duck race gets ‘quacking’

Ducks will take over the Ste. Anne de Bellevue lock this Saturday – little, yellow rubber ducks, that is.

The Lakeshore General Hospital (LGH) Foundation’s annual duck race has become a community tradition, and Silvana Orrino, the foundation’s executive director, hopes this year’s edition will be more fun than ever.

Although the LGH Foundation’s carnival was rained out two weekends ago, the “pre-duck race” events — including a benefit dinner, special breakfast, a car wash, and a barbecue on the hospital grounds — have proven to be successful.

“At the Chez Cora breakfast (last month), we sold 247 tickets for the duck race,” Orrino said. “We’re hoping to sell a lot of ducks on the race day.”

For $10, people can “adopt” their own numbered rubber duck to cheer for as it races against thousands of others in the Ste. Anne lock to cross the finish line first.

This year, the ducks will be dumped into the water at 6:45 p.m., with the first winners to be announced after about 15 minutes of racing.

“We have 30 prizes this year, so we’re going to be pulling quite a few winners out of the water,” Orrino said. The prizes include a car, an all-inclusive trip, home furnishing, and more.

Of course, race day isn’t just about ducks and prizes. There will also be a street festival in Ste. Anne from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. featuring plenty of events and special sales thanks to the Ste. Anne’s merchants. Of course, the foundation’s mascot, Lakeshore Louis, will also be back.

“There are all sorts of activities. There will be Airbounce (games), there will be live bands. And everything is free,” Orrino said, adding this will be her first duck race as the LGH Foundation’s executive director. “I was there last year, and it was just wonderful to see everyone get together and participate in this.”

Ste. Anne Mayor Bill Tierney said he was delighted to have the duck race back in his town this year.

“I would jump in with them if I could to raise a few dollars for the hospital. It’s very important to us, and we’re delighted to be able to be the site for this event,” he said. “We have a great party, and everyone’s invited.”

People can purchase their ducks at designated “duck dealers,” by calling the Duck Line at 514-694-4444, or on the day of the event. The foundation will also be accepting donations throughout the day Saturday, Orrino said.

Last year’s event raised over $70,000 for the hospital’s emergency department, and funds from the 2008 duck race will also go towards much-needed ER improvements.

“When the (duck race) first got started, we needed an event where the community could get involved. This event is really good for the community, because it just costs $10. Not everyone can afford a $600 gala ticket, or $2,000 for a foursome of golf,” Orrino said. “When you see ducks, the community knows it’s for the Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation.”