Photos/Video: Rubber Duck Derby In St George’s

June 7, 2015

The 19th annual Rubber Duck Derby was held today [June 7] at Ordnance Island in St. George’s, with a variety of live entertainment showcased alongside the rubber duck races. The Corporate Duck Race is the first race of the day, and was followed by the Youth, Pamper Me and Family races.

The Duck Derby, sponsored by BELCO since its inception, serves as a fundraiser for Friends of Hospice, the charity supporting Agape House and hospice care in Bermuda.

Denton Williams, BELCO Chief Operating Officer, previously said, “BELCO is pleased to sponsor The Rubber Duck Derby. It provides a fun way for the community to assist Agape House, the Island’s only inpatient hospice facility.”

Mr. Williams explained that funds raised through the Derby have been used to fund a chef, a counsellor and art therapist, a volunteer companion programme, additional education for Agape House staff, as well as ongoing infrastructure improvements to Agape House.

Cathy Belvedere, Executive Director, said, “Whilst cancer diagnosis remains the mainstay of patient admission at Agape House, we also serve non-cancer patients, who have a range of other terminal illnesses. Some patients are with us for a brief stay for symptom management.

“This year we will introduce our Day Programme for Caregivers, which is a spin off from our successful Outpatient Adult Day Hospice Programme, now in its fourth year. For the patients who are at Agape for end of life care, we have only one chance to get it right!.”

Friends of Hospice Chairman Dr. Ian Fulton thanked BELCO, raffle prize donors, the public and international and local businesses for their support throughout the years via corporate ducks, ticket sales and attending the races on Derby Day.

He said, “Without the support every year from the Bermuda community, we would not be able to provide life-enhancing services to the patients and families of Agape House. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has the right to pass our final days with dignity, peace and comfort.”

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