Self-Storage Operator BiG Storage in Chester, England, Houses Thousands of Ducks for Charity

Self-storage operator BiG Storage in Chester, England, is storing thousands of plastic ducks for Babygrow Appeal, a charity founded by the Countess of Chester Hospital. The toys were part of a Sept.14 fundraiser called the Duck Race, in which the colorful ducks competed along the River Dee. The event raised £12,500 to help build a new neonatal unit at the hospital. The organization aims to raise £3 million.

Last years ducks have been scooped up from the river and stored in a BiG Storage unit in anticipation of this years race on Sept. 20. Jeff Banks, business development manager for the company, told the source they were delighted to help the Babygrow Appeal by providing a new home for the ducks.

The yellow, pink and blue birds for this years event can be sponsored by individuals for £2 or by corporations for £200. Business-sponsored ducks, which can be decorated to represent the companys brand, will be on display the day of the event from noon to 2 p.m. and on the hospitals Facebook page. Online visitors can cast their vote for Best Dressed Duck until Sept. 12.

The event, which begins at noon, will also include a quiz and childrens coloring competition, with the Duck Race beginning at 3 p.m. Prizes will be given to the first five sponsored ducks to cross the finish line. Last year, the first-place winner received £250, second place received £150 and third place received £100. The fourth-place winner received family passes to Brio Leisure (Northgate Arena), Martin Mere Wetlands Centre and the National Waterways Museum. The fifth-place winner received family passes to the Mollington Health Club & Spa, Blue Planet Aquarium and the Crocky Trail.

A privately owned company launched in 2006 by self-storage professionals Andrew Donaldson, Paul Fahey and Kevin Murphy, BiG Storage has locations in Cheadle, Lancaster, Macclesfield, Morecambe and Warrington in addition to its facility in Chester. The company regularly contributes to charitable organizations, sports clubs and community-interest companies.