This popular REALTORS Care® article highlighting some REALTORS® who helped make sure an annual salmon derby ran smoothly in the name of charity was originally published on July 25, 2017. You can also raise awareness for your favourite charity by sharing your own inspiring story.
It’s official: people are hooked on the Royal LePage Advance Realty salmon derby.
The second annual event, held in Campbell River, British Columbia, raised an incredible $46,000 in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and the Campbell River Salmon Foundation, supporting local salmon rehabilitation and habitat enhancement.
The derby took place on a sunny day in June and had 650 people out fishing for the prize catch. There was also an on-shore kids’ zone, food vendors, live music and silent auction as part of the day’s events. The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board said 40 REALTORS® volunteered to work the event and made sure everything ran smoothly.
With a salmon weighing in at more than 30 pounds, Jim Lagos took home the $5,000 grand prize. Lagos generously donated $1,000 back to the two charitable beneficiaries.
In total, there were more than $20,000 worth of cash and prizes to be won, thanks in large part to community members and organizations who donated prizes. The second-place prize was a 25-horsepower four-stroke engine and the third place finisher walked away with a three-night package at a nearby resort. Those who placed in the top 10 all left with prizes worth at least $500.
Organizers called the derby “another huge success.”
The two-year fundraising total is now at $93,000. Funds directed to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation were dispersed to two local organizations serving women and children escaping domestic violence – the North Island Transition Society and the Rose Harbour Shelter.
