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Augusta Duck Dash Returns To Help Kids Get Beds

On Oct. 4, yellow rubber ducks will float and drift down the Augusta Canal at Savannah Rapids Park. This race supports the Family Y’s “A Place to Dream” program, which works to save…

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 04: Seventy-five thousand rubber ducks float down the Chicago River during the Chicago Ducky Derby on August 04, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. The ducks are dumped into the river as part of a fundraising event for Special Olympics Illinois. The individual ducks, which are adopted by supporters for $5 each, race to a nearby location with prizes and cash being awarded to holders of the winning ducks. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

On Oct. 4, yellow rubber ducks will float and drift down the Augusta Canal at Savannah Rapids Park. This race supports the Family Y's "A Place to Dream" program, which works to save local infants from SIDS and provides more than 2,000 beds to children in need.

"Back in 2017 we started the program and realized there was a local need of children sleeping on the floor or having inadequate sleeping quarters,” said Danny McConnell, CEO of the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta, to WRDW. “We thought the YMCA might have some people around the community that would want to make a difference in that, so we started raising money and recruiting volunteers."

This year's event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Savannah Rapids Park in Martinez. Participants do not have to be present to win. The Family YMCA of Greater Augusta also needs volunteers to help deliver the beds on Saturdays throughout the year.

Last year's total of 1,700 racing ducks showed how much the community cares about giving kids a good place to sleep. Want to join in? Visit the Family Y's website to buy ducks and get all the event details.