Swim for Hospice raises more than $15,000 (and counting!)

The fifth annual Swim for Hospice can be counted as another success. The fundraiser brought in more than $15,000 for Hospice Huntsville, with funds still coming in.

Distance swimmer Joy Jarvis set out from the Town Docks early on a foggy Sunday morning (July 17) to complete the 12-kilometre swim that would take her up the Muskoka River, around Lake Vernon’s Centreview Island, and back to the Town Docks.

Jarvis began the Swim for Hospice in 2012 after having completed Swim for the Kids in support of Camp Oochigeas for 11 years. “The swims were dreams of mine for years,” said 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.”

“It was this eerie feeling with the fog,” said Jarvis after the swim. “I could see the docks as I got close, but that was all.” The fog soon burned off, though – by the time she crossed under Highway 11 the sun was shining.

Jarvis was joined for the final leg of the swim by more than 40 other participants – who also raised pledges – for either three, two or one kilometre.

A crowd waited for Jarvis and the other swimmers to arrive at the Town Docks, cheering each and every one as they emerged from the water.

After it was done, Jarvis pumped her fist in the air and gave the waiting crowd a thumbs-up. She was happy with the swim despite a cramp nearing the end of the course. “I had a big cramp in the last kilometre – my whole left leg, thigh and calf – that I had to work out,” said Jarvis. “The conditions were amazing, though.” Jarvis was aiming to arrive back at the Town Docks with a time of four and a half hours; she completed the swim in four hours and 37 minutes.

Throughout the swim, volunteer paddlers and the OPP patrolled the waters and ensured that swimmers stayed safe. Local retailer Algonquin Outfitters supplied kayaks, paddles and life jackets for the volunteers.

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

In a release Bev Lashbrook, Executive Director of Hospice Huntsville said, “I continue to be amazed by the degree of support that Hospice Huntsville receives from volunteers and donors on all of our fundraising initiatives. Our fifth annual Swim for Hospice was no exception! It was a tremendous success, raising awareness for our end of life programs and raising funds which will support our on- going operational needs. Everyone in attendance enjoyed this unique and fun event for Hospice.”

Hospice Huntsville has created new fundraising initiative as part of the 2016 Swim for Hospice. Create your own Swim Challenge and Be a Virtual Swimmer! “For people who were not available on Swim Day, we have created an exciting new initiative for the Swim for Hospice. You can do your own Swim for Hospice and raise money for our organization.” Melissa Polischuk, Hospice Huntsville Fundraising and Public Relations Coordinator. “You will be in the company of other Hospice Huntsville supporters from all over Canada, who can use their love of being in the water to make a difference. Whether you swim in a lake, river, pool or even an ocean -Every Swim Stroke counts! You have all summer to complete your swim Monday September 5, 2016.” For complete details and to register visit www.hospicehuntsville.com.

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