Each year the Perrigo family at Symes Pond in Ryegate hold a rubber duck race to raise funds for good causes, and this year we are pleased to say that they are giving those funds to VT Fish & Wildlife’s Nongame Fund.
The family notes, “It seems such a fitting cause for this beautiful place we live, and the wildlife we love and want to protect! More than 200 wildlife species are at risk including birds, bats, orchids, and bumblebees. The Nongame Wildlife Fund helps protect and restore Vermont's endangered wildlife for future generations to enjoy.”
Visit the Perrigo Duck Fundraiser Facebook Page to enter ducks into the race and qualify to win prizes!
About the Perrigo Duck Race Fundraiser
Created by 10-year-old Lance Perrigo in 2021 with the help of his grandmother, the Duck Race has become an annual family tradition of contributing to important causes.
Here’s how it works: Lance and his sister Kennedy sell rubber ducks online at $5 each, each duck representing it's donor. On race day, they launch the individually-numbered ducks into the small stream. Locals join to watch the ducks make their way downstream to the finish line. Winners are gifted locally donated Vermont products such as maple syrup and large gift food baskets.
The family donated the proceeds to Fish & Wildlife last year as well, raising $1500 for the conservation of rare plants and wildlife! What’s more, this money (and every dollar donated) matches federal dollars, expanding their impact by 2-3 times.
Perhaps the greatest value of this act of generosity lies in the community involvement, awareness raising, and the inspiration drawn from this Vermont family finding meaningful ways to demonstrate their appreciation for all wildlife.
