After the cancellation of The Manchester Duck Race, we wanted to let you know how you can still get involved and support Brainwave. Even though the duck race is no longer taking place on Good Friday, Brainwave will still be holding the Best Dressed Corporate Duck Competition online for the enjoyment of everyone.
The competition sees corporate teams get creative and decorate big rubber ducks!
Last year, the entries included some magnificent creations such as ‘Billing Eve’ from Active Profile. They created a duck version of Villanelle from the popular drama Killing Eve.
Other memorable entrants from last year include duck versions of Mario and Luigi created by Accident Credit Group and ‘RuPaul’s Duck Race’ from This Solid Ground.
Despite the unprecedented situation, a host of local businesses have pledged support for the duck race by purchasing a corporate duck to be decorated at home. Solid Ground, I Love MCR, Smooth Radio, Kuits, HFL, NSS, The Slate Yard, Social Value Portal, Cuckoo, Adept Corporate Services, The Alchemist, MMA Digital, Grainger PLC, Avison Young and Hannan Associates will all be entering corporate ducks.
Carole Headley, Brainwave’s Senior Fundraising Manager said:
“We are so grateful that our corporate supporters are continuing to support us. We know this is a difficult time for businesses and individuals, as well as charities and we are so pleased to be able to still hold the Best Dressed Corporate Duck Competition for everyone to enjoy.
“I can’t wait to see what the corporate teams have come up with – now more than ever, everyone needs a bit of a pick-me-up. If previous years are anything to go by, I’m sure we’ll have some creations that will have us ‘quacking’ up with laughter! And of course, the money raised from this competition will really help Brainwave and the families we support.”
The Manchester Duck Race was set to be take place along the River Irwell at New Bailey which is part of the ambitious 50-acre Salford Central regeneration programme being delivered by The English Cities Fund – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse Developments.
Phil Mayall, Regional Director at The English Cities Fund, said: “Although things are somewhat different this year, we’re really pleased that the best-dressed duck competition, which is always so popular, is still going ahead and raising money for this fantastic charity. Not only does purchasing and decorating a duck at home help to support the charity, the competition offers some light relief for those at home who will get to cast their vote for their favourite duck.
“We hope to welcome everyone back to New Bailey for the 2021 Manchester Duck Race and continue our proud association with the event, while also showcasing the progress of the site, which will have come on leaps and bounds. In the meantime, we urge everyone to get behind this year’s competition and vote for their favourite at a time when we all need a some fun and to support one another.”
Brainwave is here to help; their aim is to ensure every child with a disability has access to support so they can reach their full potential and achieve greater independence. Now more than ever, they are supporting families deliver Brainwave’s Therapy Programmes to their children at home. The charity is adapting to the current situation and are starting to offer virtual therapy sessions – ensuring that children with disabilities can continue to receive their essential therapies and make significant progress.
All entries will be added to an online poll on Brainwave’s website which will go live on 31 March 2020. Keep an eye on Brainwave’s social media, as they will be sharing the poll on there too. Anyone can vote for their favourite creations and it’s free.
Voting closes at 12pm on Thursday 9 April.
The winners will be announced on Good Friday 10 April and the three ducks with the most votes will win the following prizes:
- Cocktail Masterclass for six at The Alchemist, Spinningfields
- Barry’s Bootcamp for five people, Manchester
- A Sharing Platter and a bottle of Prosecco at The Refinery in Spinningfields
