Kelowna rubber duck race raises funds without cost swimming classes for youths – Okanagan

Rubber geese are arduous to withstand.

From their tail to their invoice, there may be simply one thing about them. Now, the yellow toys are being utilized in a YMCA fundraiser to assist get extra children swimming.

“It’s $25 to purchase a duck, and every purchase goes towards a child’s swim lesson,” stated Tammie Watson,  vice-president of promoting and philanthropy at YMCA Southern Interior.

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is on a mission to drown-proof the Okanagan by offering all Grade 3 college students in School District 23 free swimming classes.

“It is 100 per cent community funded, so we are trying to raise $57,000. Currently, as of [Wednesday], we are at $37,000, so we are almost there,” stated Watson.

The program has been working since 2012, and thus far, about 16,000 children have gone by means of it, all of whom reside close to the so-called ‘Deadliest Lake’ within the province. In a report, the B.C. Coroners Service states there have been 28 unintended drownings over the previous decade in Okanagan Lake.

“We are breaking down barriers to ensure that every child can remain safe in the Okanagan,” stated Watson.

In an announcement, Central Okanagan public colleges says, “the program’s focus on safety and equity of opportunity aligns perfectly with our values and our mission We are grateful to the Y for their partnership to provide this opportunity to our learners,” and that “they are grateful to the community for their support of the upcoming Make a Splash Fundraiser.”

The significance of instructing children in Kelowna to swim is echoed by Kimiko Hirakida, at Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon.

“It’s almost more important that they learn these basic skills, and I think that being able to offer free swimming opportunities is incredibly important to reach those who may not be able to get into our recreation centres,” stated Hirakida.

The deadline to undertake a duck for the Make a Splash fundraiser is Friday, and the large duck race on the lazy river at H20 Adventure & Fitness Centre takes place Saturday.

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