12,000 plastic ducks released into river for charity

The bright yellow surge was part of a giant charity tombola, literally named “The Duck Race”, with each duck featuring a number allowing it to be tracked along the waterway.

Spectators watched as the ducks were slowly released into the water and cheered along the route.

Each duck was available to buy, for €5 each, or €10 for three. Prizes for the owners of the winning ducks included a weekend away worth €700, a 3D printer, an off-road bike, a holiday worth €2,000; and even a Fiat 500 car.

All profits of the tombola will go to charity associations that take care of children with cancer, and those who are fighting against motor neurone disease (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Lou Gehrig’s Disease and as la maladie de Charcot in French).

The first little duck took 18 minutes to travel the length of the specific water route, with special counter volunteers recording the arrival of each duck as it finished.

The next Duck Race will take place on June 30 in Saint-Laurent Blangy.