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.
