Swift Current duck derby to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation

Kids suffering from rare or chronic illnesses will get another chance to have wishes come true thanks to an upcoming duck derby in Swift Current, and organizers are hoping support will come from across Saskatchewan and beyond.

The derby will take place on Sept. 6

The inspiration behind the event was a pair of children, Avery Andres and Bella Thompson, who have already had wishes granted through the foundation.

“Since we’ve seen the joy that a wish can bring to them, we have decided we want to give back to other wish kids and help grant more wishes across the country,” said Avery’s caregiver and event organizer Andrea Orr. “What we’ve done is, we’ve teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Saskatchewan and with the national office and we are hosting a duck derby in Swift Current.”

Although the event takes place in Swift Current, anyone in Saskatchewan can buy a duck or a 50/50 ticket. Organizers have also found a way to reach people outside of the province.

“Because Bella Thompson is somewhat of a TikTok sensation, we have teamed up with her to do a viral well-wishes campaign for the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” said Orr. “It’s a personalized card that you create at charitycards.ca and it is sent out to the girls.”

All the money raised from the derby, the 50/50, and the card sales go to the foundation with the goal of raising $50,000 (enough to grant five wishes according to Orr). Orr has seen firsthand what granting those wishes means to the children who get the good news.

“I don’t think the everyday person realizes what a wish can do for a medical kiddo,” she said. “We have tough days, days that are hard on everyone, and it’s so amazing to come home (Avery got a hot tub for her wish) and it’s so amazing for us to be able to come home and relax, wind down after a tough medical day or a tough medical stay in hospital, is amazing.”

Bella, meanwhile, was granted a wish of a castle in her backyard out on her acreage. According to Orr, it’s become a place where Bella can go to escape from the day for a bit, especially if it’s been a difficult day for her, medically.

“Every kid who gets a wish, it is a life-changing event for them,” Orr said. “Research has shown that it helps them in their medical journey. It helps motivate them and encourage them to keep going and to stay strong and brave.”

Orr added that while there are some children in the Make-A-Wish Foundation with terminal illnesses, many have long-term illnesses as well.

Make-A-Wish Canada has granted over 35,000 wishes since 1983.