A fundraiser to help local families access swimming programs at the Seaforth Lion's Pool will see staff at the pool swimming long distances.
Savannah Rutledge, Pool Supervisor at the Seaforth Lions Pool, says the fundraiser last year was held for the first time after she participated in a similar one when she was in Vanastra.
"Last year, I just had the idea that we should just start something for our pool, because we have a lot of families around here that could definitely benefit from getting a little help. So last year was the first year that we ran it, we had about 25 people donate and we raised $1,500," Rutledge shared.
That money helped five local families access swimming programming. Rutledge swam 10 km herself in the pool for the fundraiser, with other lifeguards combining for 15 hm for a total of 25 total km swam. This year, Rutledge says she's hoping to raise even more, and she plans to swim 15 km herself this year.
"This year I would love if we could match it or even get to $2,000. I reached out to a bunch of our local businesses, too, to see if they'd want to sponsor the event, but the majority of our donations come from families around here and all of our current pool family members," Rutledge explained.
Rutledge says when a local family applies to access support for the pool's programs, there are a couple different options.
"So when they apply to be subsidized, they have the option of choosing between private or group lessons for their swimmers, and then the money also goes towards family memberships and single passes for the entire summer," added Rutledge.
For information on how to donate, email [email protected] or visit the Seaforth Lions Pool on Facebook. The event is on July 26 starting at 7 a.m. and the public are encouraged to come cheer Rutledge and the lifeguards on. Tax receipts are available for eligible donations, and all donors will be recognized on the pool's social media platforms.
