By KENDALL KING, reporter for the Local Journalism Initiative, on February 19, 2022.
Rubber duckies of all shapes and sizes are hidden away by the Medicine Hat Kinsmen Club. — SUBMITTED PHOTODuck hunting season starts early in Medicine Hat—rubber ducks, that is.
More than 600 rubber duckies will be hidden across town by the Medicine Hat Kinsmen Club this weekend as part of the National Day of KINdness celebrations.
“Ten years ago, Kin Canada established the National Day of KINdness,” Cameron Kemp, former president of the Kinsmen Club of Medicine Hat, told the News. “The purpose (of the day) is just to encourage relatives in our communities to be a little kinder and spark a few smiles throughout the day.
“Each club has the opportunity to participate as it wishes. This year we decided to do something fun.”
Kemp said the idea of hiding rubber ducks was inspired by a similar project by the Kinette Club of Calgary in 2021. The Kinsmen also drew inspiration from the Medicine Hat Rocks Facebook group, which Kemp believes brings joy to townspeople.
The idea also ties into an upcoming Medicine Hat Kinsmen Club event, the second annual Entenderby.
“It’s a way to encourage our upcoming project and spark some joy, whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart,” Kemp said. “I think it will be fun. Most ducks are themed. There are five or six superhero ducks, there are racing ducks, there are some pirates, there are some ducks dressed up as farm animals, there are dragons, a space astronaut (and more).”
So far, Kemp has received positive feedback on this activity. He hopes Hatters have fun while looking for ducks.
Rubber ducks will be placed in public areas across the city. Anyone who finds a duck is encouraged to post a picture of it on social media with the hashtag #NDOKLuckyDuck.
