Challenge yourself for a good cause at Swim for Hospice, July 17

Photos: Hospice Huntsville

“I tell anyone if they have a dream or a goal in their life that they want to do, just go for it,” says Joy Jarvis. “Don’t let it pass you by. It’s an amazing feeling when it happens.”

For the past five years, Jarvis has been swimming 12 kilometres in support of Hospice Huntsville, after formerly doing the long-distance Swim for the Kids in support of Camp Oochigeas for 11 years.

“The swims were dreams of mine for years,” says Jarvis. “And when I saw (Algonquin Grace) Hospice I wanted to help. A few years ago, a friend was battling her second round of cancer and was in the hospital and really wanted to be in something like hospice. Every swim I still think of her.”

At 7:00am on Sunday, July 17, Jarvis will leave the Town Docks and swim up the Muskoka River, around Centreview Island in Lake Vernon and back again. She’s aiming to finish the swim in four-and-a-half hours. “Conditions at this point are looking good – it’s looking calm and nice and sunny,” says Jarvis. “The lake is fairly quiet on Sunday mornings and the boats lately have been really good – just last year I don’t think I’ve ever seen a boat go so slow past us. There was no wake.”

In addition to support boats, Jarvis hopes to be joined by 75 other swimmers for the final leg of her swim. If you’ve always wanted to challenge yourself with a distance swim, there’s still time to register.

Swimmers are asked to raise pledges – this year’s fundraising goal is $25,000 – and can join Joy for the final three kilometres, entering the water at a dock on Lake Vernon; for the final two kilometres, entering the water at Avery Beach; or the last kilometer, entering the water by the train bridge.

It’s for a great cause. I’ll keep swimming for as many years as I can.Joy Jarvis

All of the funds raised offset operational costs of the Hospice and allow comprehensive end-of-life care to people and their families or caregivers, free of charge. Registration closes July 15. There is also a need for volunteers to help with the event.

“This is a truly unique opportunity for our community to get involved with Hospice Huntsville. If you feel comfortable in or on the water, then come out and enjoy the morning, cheer on Joy and the swim participants and be a part of supporting Hospice Huntsville,” said Melissa Polischuk, Hospice Huntsville’s Fundraising and PR Coordinator.

Anyone interested in participating in Swim for Hospice can download the registration package and pledge forms at www.hospicehuntsville.com or visit the Hospice Huntsville building on Frank Miller Drive. To volunteer, email [email protected] or phone 705-789-6878. Or head to the Town Docks at 7:00am and again between 11:30am-12pm to cheer on Joy and the rest of the swimmers.

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