Duck and Run lands in Strathmore as new fundraiser location 

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ducks Unlimited is inviting the local community to participate in a run and fundraiser, June 7, to support wetland conservation efforts. 

The run is taking place in locations across Canada, with Strathmore joining in to offer one kilometer, five kilometer, and 10,000 step challenges. 

“We have had them in Calgary before in the past, as well as Camrose last year, but we are working on expanding,” explained Margot Penno, volunteer coordinator with Ducks Unlimited. “People will have to register online; there are different fees for individuals above the age of 13 or below, and they can register for either the 5km or the 1km … we will have a setup with a big start and finish line arch; they will show up and every participant gets a medal at the end.”

As all the money collected will be put towards the overall fundraising goal, should anyone wish to make donations in addition to their registration fees, they are being invited to do so. 

Similar events have been in operation and growing across Canada for approximately the last five years and counting. 

“Some of our newer locations are slower to gain traction, but places like Calgary or Edmonton that were just added for example, have over 100 people registered, and then also in Toronto and bigger places, they are sold out,” said Penno. “So far it is a little slow in Strathmore. We are at about 20 people signed up, which is pretty normal for a first time run in a new location like this, but we are hoping to grow in the future.”

Penno added she hopes to be able to see the run return to Strathmore on an annual basis and become a regular fundraiser for the community to look forward to. 

Alternative to the in-person fundraising runs, Ducks Unlimited has also made available a virtual challenge, asking people to get out into nature or for a run within their community before June 23. 

Throughout events held in 2025, Ducks Unlimited reports that over $104,000 was raised to support their cause. 

The overall goal to raise $100,000 for 2026 through the event had been breached weeks prior to the national June run dates.

For more avid enthusiasts, the Duck and Run also pairs with a DonorDrive mobile app which tracks and celebrates progress.

“We also have lots of information on our website, ducks.ca … definitely events are a great way to support, but also there are opportunities for landowners to contact us if they have questions or concerns,” said Penno. 

Ducks Unlimited keeps active participation and fundraising numbers localized to each participating community also available on their website. As of the writing of this article, Strathmore had raised $705 of the $15,000 fundraising goal.