Media Release
Wednesday 5th Feb 2004
Ducks in training all over Canterbury
Duck fever has hit Canterbury as the region gears up for the Mighty Duck Challenge.
Attracting the interest of local businesses and individuals who are registering daily, the duck race down the Avon River
is part of the important fundraising programme of Christchurch based child support organisation, The Family Help Trust.
It is clear that competition will be keen as more businesses enrol their duck and challenge similar organisations to do
the same.
One such challenge is between two local real estate offices, Harcourts Gold and Ray White Fendalton, who have both
registered ducks and are already well into a strict training programme for their small yellow competitors.
Jenni Rolton of Ray White Fendalton is keeping the details of the training close to her chest but suggests after a
relaxing but slightly indulgent holiday break, her team’s duck is slowly easing back into training.
“We can all over indulge during Christmas and New Year so we have started “Ray” with widths of the bath. That’ll grow to
lengths and I can’t really give much more away,” she says.
Judy Curnow of Harcourts Gold New Brighton is itching to get their duck into the Avon.
“Thursday afternoon will be “Goldy’s” first dip in river water and we are confident he will take to it like, well the
proverbial,” she says.
Family Help Trust Director, Libby Robins says she has been pleased with the response to the duck race so far.
“This is one of our major fundraising events this year and with a good number registering already, that’s great news for
the most at risk children and their families who will benefit from the money raised,”
The Mighty Duck Challenge - Sunday 22 February 2004 at 2.30pm. On the Avon River from Worcester Street Bridge to
Victoria Square. Register on line with a donation of $100 at www.familyhelptrust.org.nz or phone the trust on 365 9912.
Prizes include dinner for 20 at the Casino, accommodation and a whole lot more.
Media photo opportunity: Judy Curnow and Jenni Rolton, and their respective teams (including “Goldy” and “Ray”) will be
in Elmwood Park (Heaton Street end) at 9.30am on Thursday 5th February.
ENDS