Duck Dash raises over $30K to lower SIDS rates in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - This morning, Augusta Duck Dash officials announced the event raised more than $30,000 to help the Family Y lower sudden infant death rates in our area over the weekend.

ers adopted around 2,000 ducks that floated a little way down the Augusta Canal for the cause. The Family Y’s program A Place to Dream is to provide safe infant beds to help reduce sudden infant death rates, SIDS.

Volunteers with the Savannah River Keeper and Veterans for Clean Water were right there to make sure no duck was left behind.

On Saturday, the energy was high as rubber ducks started their journey at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

“It’s just I’m so excited,” said a child in attendance.

It’s excitement for ducks here, ducks there, ducks everywhere, all to raise awareness for sudden infant death syndrome and sudden unexplained death syndrome.

“It has been very catastrophic to families. We have had numerous families that have come in and their, their newborn or their less than 6-month-old infant has been they’ve rolled over on them,” said Dawn Faircloth with Safe Kids Augusta.

“Each year in the United States, more than 3,500 infants, without a prior known illness or injury, die suddenly and unexpectedly.

In Georgia, “sudden infant death syndrome and sudden unexplained death syndrome is rated in the top 10 for infants,” said Faircloth.

For Richmond County, it’s top 5.

“I think a lot of it is education and a lack of resources. So if we just get the word out like we’re doing today, I think that would make a big difference,” she said.

The successful event was just one step toward new cribs and safer sleep for babies across Augusta.

“I have seen the worst of it. And so I think that this is a great, great to see the turnout,” she said.

The adult grand prize winner won $1,500 and a one-year family YMCA metro family hip.

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