The Lazy River at the 2026 American Cleaning Institute (ACI) Convention looked a little different this year. Instead of a quiet current, it was packed with brightly decorated rubber ducks and a cheering crowd, all rallying behind a single goal: to raise critical funding for clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
By the end of the day, the ACI Charity Duck Race and related convention activities had raised 100,000 dollars in support of The WASH Foundation and DigDeep, a powerful milestone in honor of ACI’s 100th anniversary.
A Splash for Global Health
The annual ACI Charity Duck Race has become a signature moment where industry fun meets serious impact. Member companies, partners, and sponsors purchase and decorate ducks, then gather along the resort’s Lazy River to watch them “swim” to the finish line.
Proceeds from this year’s race, keynote events, and on-site giving stations benefit The WASH Foundation and DigDeep, two organizations focused on expanding access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for communities that are often overlooked. Together, that support translates into more recycled hygiene products, more WASH education, and more infrastructure for families who deserve the dignity of health and cleanliness.
Celebrating ACI's 100th Anniversary Through Service
As ACI celebrates a century of leadership in the cleaning products industry, the 2026 convention put service and social responsibility front and center. In addition to the Charity Duck Race, attendees engaged in programming that highlighted how partnerships can drive cleaner, healthier communities around the world.
This 100,000 dollar milestone builds on several years of collaboration between ACI, Shell Chemical, and The WASH Foundation through the annual duck race. Each year, the event channels industry creativity into tangible support for hygiene access, disaster response, and community based WASH initiatives.
Meet Marty McFly Duck: Where Creativity Meets Cause
One duck in particular turned heads this year. Designed by Brandon Goldstein, Product Manager, Strategy and Portfolio on Clean the World’s Product Development team, The WASH Foundation’s Marty McFly duck brought a playful Back to the Future twist to the Lazy River.
Outfitted with time traveling flair, Marty McFly duck became an instant crowd favorite and a fun way to talk about moving our mission “forward in time.” As the ducks floated downstream, our team joked that Marty was speeding along at 88 miles per hour, even if the river had other ideas. Great Scott!
Why This Funding Matters for The WASH Foundation
Behind the costumes and friendly competition is a serious and urgent need. The WASH Foundation focuses on improving health outcomes through access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in communities facing poverty, crises, and displacement.
Support from the ACI Charity Duck Race helps The WASH Foundation:
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- Distribute recycled soap and hygiene products to communities in distress
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- Deliver WASH education that equips families with tools to prevent disease
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- Support clean water and sanitation projects that create lasting change
For families who lack reliable access to hygiene essentials, these resources can mean fewer preventable illnesses, more days in school, and a better chance to thrive.
Partnership in Action: ACI, Shell Chemical, and Industry Leaders
Events like the ACI Charity Duck Race showcase what is possible when industry partners prioritize purpose alongside business. ACI, Shell Chemical, and member companies bring not only funding to the table, but also volunteer energy, storytelling power, and a shared commitment to improving lives
As ACI leaders have emphasized in past years, these partnerships help provide better living for individuals, families, and communities by connecting the cleaning products industry directly to the people who benefit from its support. The 2026 race continues that tradition and sets the stage for even greater impact in the years ahead.
Looking Ahead: Turning Ripples into Waves
The 2026 ACI Charity Duck Race proves that a little fun can go a long way. With 100,000 dollars raised for The WASH Foundation and DigDeep, the ripples from this Lazy River event will reach far beyond the convention grounds.
For The WASH Foundation, this support means more families accessing clean water, more communities equipped with hygiene tools, and more opportunities to improve health and transform lives. For our team, it is also a reminder that creativity, collaboration, and a few very determined ducks can help move the world toward a future where everyone has the basics they need to live with dignity.
If you would like to learn more about our work or get involved, visit The WASH Foundation to explore ways to donate, partner, or share our mission.
