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Back in 2014 The Civil Society Doers of the Year Award was given to Pardiralli (Duck Rally), that took place for the first time. Back then, we wrote about the winner in these words: The Duck Rally (organised by the Estonian Association of Parents of Children with Cancer) gave a whole new colour to fundraising campaigns and showed that donations can be raised creatively, inclusively and joyfully, even when the cause is a sad one. The fun rubber duck rally raised over €70 000 for support services for children with cancer and their parents.
We asked the organisers of the Duck Rally to look 10 years back and share their story.
“Some events are the result of great vision and long term planning, while others start with a simple desire to do something good. The Duck Rally is a perfect example of the latter. Started in 2014, the bathtub duo race has over the years become an event loved and supported by the people of Estonia, with the aim of supporting children with cancer and their families.
The Duck Rally was born out of the desire and need to create a support centre that would centralise and coordinate the provision of support services and assistance to children with cancer and their families. When the first coloured rubber ducks were thrown into the water, the aim was not to celebrate a victory, but to raise awareness and support for families facing the toughest battle of their lives.
Over the years, the Duck Rally has grown into a major grassroots event that brings together thousands of people from all over Estonia – and beyond. The event has grown significantly both in terms of the number of participants and the donations collected. While in the early years there were some doubts as to whether the rubber duck rally would be able to make a name for itself, it has now become one of Estonia’s best-known charity events.
The results speak for themselves. The Duck Rally has helped hundreds of children with cancer and their families in need. But the impact of this support goes beyond financial assistance. The Duck Rally has given these families the knowledge that they are not alone and has helped us as a society to understand the importance of being there for each other.
The Duck Rally is characterised by the beauty of the power of unity. Everyone can get involved – whether it’s by participating, donating or just living it. The Duck Rally has proven that when we come together, we can do incredibly big things.
The Duck Rally comes back every year. Every year, new supporters and volunteers join in, bringing fresh ideas and energy. Duck Rally is not just a duck race, it is an event that changes lives – the lives of children with cancer and their parents.
