Early on Sunday morning (Aug. 23), Joy Jarvis will, for the ninth time, dive into the waters of the Muskoka River for a nine-kilometre swim to raise funds and awareness for Hospice Huntsville.
Jarvis began swimming when she was only one-and-a-half years old. She began swimming competitively in high school and with the Oakville Aquatic Club. She then explored long-distance swim races at her family cottage regattas. This is Jarvis’s 25th year of long distance swimming.
“When I heard about Hospice Huntsville, I spoke with [medical director] Deb Harrold and mentioned that I wanted to fundraise for them by swimming one of the lakes in the area,” said Jarvis. “I watched Hospice Huntsville being built and am amazed at how the swim has grown. I continue to swim each year for Hospice Huntsville an organization near and dear to my heart and to fulfill my dreams as well.”
Jarvis’s past swims have always drawn a crowd of people who cheer her on, including other dedicated swimmers who have joined her in the water for the last section of her route. But with Swim for Hospice cancelled this year, it will just be Jarvis and her support crew. “I am grateful for the support from Hospice Huntsville and everyone in my community,” she said.
“To anyone who has a goal or dream in mind don’t let it pass you by—go for it!” she added. “I always wanted to swim long distance but never thought that I would be swimming long distance at my age but will continue to swim for Hospice Huntsville as long as I can.”
Hospice Huntsville is grateful for her commitment.
“Joy’s dedication and support truly mean the world to our organization,” said Melissa Polischuk, Hospice Huntsville’s fund development and public relations coordinator.
This year, Hospice hopes to raise $25,000 through people who sponsor Jarvis’s swim on August 23 or those who choose to create their own fundraising swim of any length before September 18, 2020.
For more information on Hospice Huntsville, visit hospicehuntsville.com. or follow them on Facebook, Twitter @HospiceHville, or Instagram @hospicehuntsville.
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Thank you Huntsville Doppler for highlighting Joy Jarvis and her incredible accomplishments for Hospice Huntsville! Congratulations Joy!
Congrats Joy for another great swim!
Go Joy Go, you are a wonderful strong swimmer, and neat lady, and Hospice is so lucky to have you on our team. We will be there to cheer you on, on Sunday
June and Tom Banks.
Well deserved Joy. We are so grateful you are swimming this year and for your ongoing support of Hospice Huntsville.