Have you adopted a rubber duck yet? The ninth annual Rubber Duck Derby is just around the corner and Friends of Hospice and Belco hope to raise a whopping $110,000 for Agape House this year.

The Duck Derby takes place on Sunday, June 5 on Ordnance Island in St. George?s and this year will open with a family fair at 2 p.m. and will include food stalls, games, face painting and entertainment. The corporate duck race will be the first of the day at 3 p.m.

Chairperson of Friends of Hospice Jane Bermingham said yesterday that the Rubber Duck Derby provided a great way for everyone to help meet the on-going needs of the community hospice.

?Funds raised in the past through corporate and community participation in the derby have been used to purchase electric beds, therapeutic equipment and medications, as well as kitchen equipment and other vital supplies not covered by insurance,? she said.

As major sponsor of the event, Belco, has sponsored the duck race for eight years.

Belco president and chief executive officer Garry Madeiros said he was pleased the derby had grown in both fund-raising potential and popularity over the years and that Belco was proud to be the corporate sponsor of the event.

Rubber Duck Derby adoption forms are available from Agape House, Belco, Bermuda Gas and Utility, The Bermuda Book Store, Caff? Latte, C Travel, Meyer-Franklin Travel, Otto Wurtz, Party Plus and Toys ?N? Stuff, or by calling Friends of Hospice on 232-0859.