Langara raises over $1,200 for United Way charity

The tension was high, the crowd screamed and the ducks raced. In the end, like all dramatic races, one duck stood out from the rest of the flock and passed over the finish line first.

The fifth biannual United Way rubber ducky race was held at Langara College on Thursday Oct.10. A fanfare of cheers from hardened duck racers saw over 180 rubber ducks face many hazards with a waterfall, pond reeds and a bridge to negotiate.

“The idea came from a revelation from god Quack Quack in a dream,” explained Alan“Mother Ducky” Brain. The Langara sociology instructor gave a running commentary throughout the race and added that god Quack Quack had ordered him to dress in drag.

Duck number 174 won the race a clear foot ahead of its nearest competitor. The owner of the duck, Paola Provesan wasn’t on site to comment on the win, but several colleagues suggested that she’d be proud of her achievement.

United Way will focus on child poverty, bullying and senior isolation

Langara librarian, Heather Forbes, thought her duck was stuck under the bridge and losing badly. “I think I’ll buy more ducks,” said Forbes when asked how she would change her strategy for next year.

Andrea Demers from United Way in the Lower Mainland said that the charity works to fundraise money and redistribute it to local charities. This year they aim to raise $28 million and are focusing on child poverty, bullying of children 6 to 12 years old, and senior isolation. The charity event included a Japadog stand and a rubber duck race in Langara’s pond and altogether raised over $1,200.

Reported by Ben Bulmer and James McLaughlin

Watch Andrea Demers from United Way explain the work they do, and check out dramatic duck racing footage at the same time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgsLxfaANY4