Two local charities received a big boost from the 1st Annual Royal LePage Advance Realty Campbell River Salmon Derby.
The first running of the successful derby on June 11 raised $44,800 to be split between two local charities, the Campbell River and North Island Transition Society (Rose Harbour) and the Campbell River Salmon Fondation. Meanwhile, over $20,000 in cash and prizes were given away including $5,000 cash to first place winner Cody Johnstone; a 9.9 HP Yamaha from Boatland to second place finisher Steve Beckett; plus eight more prizes were awarded to 3rd-10th places.
Organizers said ticket sales hovered around the 300 mark for weeks and then in the final 24 hours they jumped up to over 700 in final sales.
“The fishing grounds around Campbell River were busy,” said Deanna Collins, one of the event organizers. “Many said the lighthouse area looked like a small city from a distance with so many boats. The ramps were manageable and there was lots of room for everyone fish. More than 70 fish were weighed in on Saturday.”
Robert Ostler Park was bustling all day with kids activities, food trucks and a silent auction which raised more than $5,000 alone.
“Everyone at Royal Lepage is so impressed with how the event went and felt like the countless hours were rewarded by the response of the community,” Collins said. “We’re proud to contribute the incredible total to two deserving local charities. Plans are already underway for next year.
“Royal LePage would like to send a huge thank you to all the sponsors that made this event successful.”
Visit www.crsalmonderby.com for a complete list of all the sponsors.