By Camille Aubin
[email protected]
The Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley (HSCV) recently held their Hospice Swims the Lake event with excellent conditions for swimmers.
From April 1 until the day before the long swim, HSCV sold tickets to raise funds for the organizations. Tickets to the event offered a chance to win participation prizes, such as a generous four-night stay at SLR K2 Ranch and a welcome dinner, plus many more!
To help raise money for HSCV, six swimmers completed a 15-kilometer swim from Lake Shore Campground to James Chabot Beach across Lake Windermere. “Although we started with three swimmers, the challenge got such momentum that three more were added,” explained Michèle Neider, HSCV executive director. Dik Walmsley, Bruce Stroud, and Gerry Mumford were the first to take on the challenge. Later, Doug Costigan, Warren MacDonald, and Phil Baird joined the swimmers’ team. “We could have been 25 swimmers, but that’s too much coordination,” explained Walmsley.
Organizers were pleased with the turnout for the event. As a first point, the weather conditions allowed the swimmers to meet their goal quickly, and the spectators enjoyed their sight as they reached James Chabot beach. “The beautiful weather coordinated for all of us, flat as a pancake the whole way,” expressed Walmsley. “That’s why our time was a little bit faster than we expected. We reach Chabot in just under four hours.”
All those who helped organize the event were glad to see how much money was raised with the raffle ticket sales. “We still need to consolidate everything. I would say (HSCV raised) about $27,000, but it’s not a firm final yet,” said Neider.
HSCV is already planning its next event. The organization will be hosting Walk & Hike on July 31. Visit www.hospicesociety.cv.com for more details.
