BARRHEAD - Barrhead's Rose Garden Chapel is trying to raise awareness and money for an organization that provides a valuable and often overlooked service to the province.
On Aug. 12, they are hosting the first annual Dignity Duck Race, with the proceeds going towards the Central Alberta Rescue Diving Society's (CARDS) Underwater Search Team.
The Underwater Search Team works with Alberta police forces to recover drowning victims, accident wreckage, and potential crime evidence.
Amanda Lambert, one of the event's organizers, said that Alberta is only one of two provinces where the RCMP does not have a dedicated dive team.
As a result, Alberta police forces rely on the Underwater Search Team or private contractors.
In other territories and provinces, such as the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut and P.E.I., underwater recovery services are provided by the province closest to where the call originates.
"So what we are doing is trying to raise a bit of money for their training, repair or bring in new equipment, whatever they decide the best use for the funds are," Lambert said.
She added that over the years, the UST has responded to several incidents in area lakes and rivers, including Thunder Lake.
"They take on many risks diving into unknown territory and have supplies and materials to assist them in these recoveries, which, in addition to their specialized training, carry a large expense ... I think a lot of time that this is the sort of thing that people always know about, and I want to bring attention to that," Lambert said.
To prove that point, she said it was only recently that she learned about the
"So I thought, let's try to do something to help them," Lambert said, noting the aquatic-themed rubber duck race was the appropriate fundraiser.
For $10, a person can purchase one of 1,000 rubber ducks, or more accurately, the corresponding ticket. Then, at about 1 p.m. on Aug. 12, the ducks will be released into the Paddle River from Charles Yuill Park, with the owners of the first three ducks to reach the bridge on Highway 33 will win $1,000, $500 and $250, respectively. There will also be two random draws for $125.
The easiest way to purchase a duck is through Lambert at 780-294-9181. Texts are preferred. People can buy their ducks until noon on the day of the race.
Alberta's Underwater Search Team was founded in 2013 by a group of volunteer firefighters.
CARDS divers are volunteers who do not get paid and do so at their own time and expense. Currently, it has 12 members. Their website notes it takes $20,000 to train and equip a diver.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
