Shoppers in Wrexham went absolutely quackers while raising a pond full of cash for a local children’s charity.
The Erddig Rotary Club teamed up with Dynamic, a centre for children and young people with disabilities, to run a day of fun duck races down the water feature at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre.
Rotary Club past president Dr Graham Arthurs acted as starter for the days races.
He said: “We are grateful, as ever, to the management of Eagles Meadow for allowing us to hold what has become a popular and well supported annual event. The ducks cost £1 each and we have around 25 in each race.
“The first duck to reach the bottom of the feature wins its owner a shopping voucher. We hope the day will raise around £200 which this year will be going to Dynamic.
“Dynamic does a wonderful job and some of their young people and volunteers have been here with us today helping sell ducks and collect them from the water feature at the end of each race.”
Sian Francis, 34, of Bradley, who has been a Dynamic volunteer for more than five years, says the young people helping out with the duck race were all members of the charity’s Saturday Club.
She said: “The club is for young people aged between 12 and 19 and it helps us teach them some independent living skills. We do a variety of activities and enjoy going out for something to eat, or just to shop.
“It’s about teaching them independence, things like how to use money and road safety such as crossing roads safely. We also go out on trips like taking a train to Chester or Shrewsbury. They also enjoy doing a lot of craft such as painting.”
She added: “They have all enjoyed the duck race and being involved helping out collecting the ducks and helping to sell them. It’s been a wonderful afternoon and the public have been very generous.”
Carol Gardner, Dynamic’s charity manager, said: “We are really grateful to both the Wrexham and Erddig Rotary Club and Eagles Meadow shopping centre management for putting the duck race on.
“The money raised, which will help pay for more activities for our children and young people, will make a big difference to Dynamic.
“The public have been very generous and it’s been a cracking day. It’s certainly helped having sunny weather even if it’s been a bit windy.”
Rebecca Williams, 22, is both a member of Dynamic as well as volunteering to help supervise younger members.
She said: “I love Dynamic. It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have lots of friends and enjoy what we do. I don’t know where I would be without it.
“The duck race has been really good fun and very exciting. It’s a great idea and will raise lots of money.”
One of the youngest contestants taking part in the duck race was Felicity Hughes, three, of Wrexham.
Her mum, Aimee Hughes said: “It’s been a lovely event and ideal for little ones. We didn’t win but Felicity has really enjoyed it.”
Joshua Forward, four, also of Wrexham went along with his grandmother, Lynne Forward, and also went close to winning with his bright yellow duck.
Lynne Forward said: “It’s definitely been good fun and something different that the little ones have been able to enjoy. We have had a really good time.”
Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley said: “Eagles Meadow is at the heart of the community in Wrexham and we were only too pleased to be able to support this extremely important local children’s charity.”
