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By Dylana Kneeshaw

VW TURTLE RIVER RACE

Kamloops Brain Injury Association makes ticket sales push ahead of Sunday’s VW Turtle River Race

May 1, 2024 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — The 23rd annual VW Turtle River Race is coming up this weekend and the Kamloops Brain Injury Association (KBIA) is preparing thousands of turtles for their trip down the South Thompson River.

The event kicks off with a barbecue at noon and races scheduled for 1:00 p.m and 2:00 p.m from Riverside Park on Sunday (May 5).

KBIA Events Coordinator Danica Wilkinson says kayak volunteers will follow the turtles down the river to ensure none get lost along the way.

“We have 4,000 of them that race down the river, and the first couple (turtles) over the finish line win huge prizes,” explains Wilkinson. “First place is over $4,500 worth of prizes, second is over $2,500, and third place is over $1,000.”

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The Kamloops Brain Injury Association’s Executive Director, David Johnson, notes ticket sales have been slightly behind what was seen last year, and they’re making a push to catch up. The fundraising goal is $20,000, and proceeds will go toward services and programs for brain injury survivors.

“This year, we’ve just started a new concussion program because concussions are a type of brain injury. It’s a mild brain injury but it’s still there. And there’s not a whole lot of support for some folks in the community,” explains Johnson. “By getting this money from the community, we’re able to offer free services to folks who need some help, some guidance or information around what to do with the concussion they have.”

Tickets are $10 each or $25 for a three-pack and can be bought online at kbia.ca, or in-person at the Saturday morning (May 4) Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market in the 200-block of St. Paul Street.