Augusta, GA

Duck Dash raises funds to lower SIDS rates in Augusta

Published

1 year ago

October 22, 2023

Duck Dash raises funds to lower SIDS rates in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) –

Sunday the Augusta Duck Dash took place at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion benefitting the Family Y and raising money for cribs to offer safer sleep to infants.

Energy was high as rubber ducks races down the canal all for a good cause.

“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 six 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.

Sunday, as 2,000 rubber ducks floated down the canal for the first time, it 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 membership.

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Augusta, GA

Tree giveaway helps Augusta get back to normal after Helene

Published

9 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been more than 100 days since Hurricane Helene came through our area.

Now, those in the CSRA are still cleaning up the aftermath.

On Saturday, Rooting for Augusta helped the area get back to normal.

“Every once in a while, we have a horrific event that unites us all, and we certainly had it with the storm. Everybody can agree that it’s a good thing to plant trees back in the right spots,” said Dennis Trotter with Rooting for Augusta.

Rooting for Augusta gave away 700 trees as part of the event.

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Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

20 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After swearing in 100 new deputies at the beginning of his tenure, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley also addressed promotions and appointments for those in the sheriff’s office.

It happened on Friday before the winter weather got underway and impacted the region.

Brantley spoke with us after about why the new promotions, appointments and people in the sheriff’s office will benefit the community.

“For the most part, when you’re suffering from a shortage of staff like we have been and so many other agencies in the state of Georgia and around the country, I think it is a boost in the arm to onboard 100 people to help get things that we need slow down crime and stop what is plaguing our community,” said Brantley.

Brantley said it was the first step to making the community safer.

He says he has been working on improving the jail as well.

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