Aqua Marine Aquatics Academy in Douglasdale hosted its Annual Aqua Marine Mid-Mile charity swim, uniting swimmers and families to raise funds and awareness for Rainbows & Smiles, an organisation supporting children living with childhood cancer, on February 07.

Inspired by the Midmar Mile, the event welcomed swimmers of all ages and skill levels, creating a family-friendly atmosphere centred on giving back through the power of water.

Academy owner Danielle Gál said the event grew from the academy’s long-standing relationship with the charity.

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“Aqua Marine has supported Rainbows & Smiles for over 10 years. Having met Bonni, the owner, you can’t help but fall in love with the passion and purpose of what they do each day. We have always participated in the Midmar Mile, but time and cost have made travelling to KZN trickier. We teach swimming to all ages. Midmar is swimming, so we thought what better way to support than by pairing up.

“Rainbows & Smiles is close to our hearts. Some of their children have attended classes at our academy. Water is such a happy place, and for children in pain, the warm water allows them to relax, have fun, and be a little less ‘eina’.”

This year, 20 swimmers participated in the Mid-Mile event, which was open to the public.

Participants made a R400 donation directly to the charity and received goody bags before completing as many pool lengths as they wished. The event raised R8 000 for the organisation.

Rainbows & Smiles founder Bonni Suckling said, “Rainbows & Smiles supports children with cancer and their families in the hospital by focusing on the everyday needs that often get overlooked during treatment.

We provide bedside play, comfort and care packs, meals, and practical support to help children get through long hospital days and help families cope.

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“Community fundraising events like the Aqua Marine Mid-Mile are vital. They help us show up in hospitals with practical support, play, and presence, while raising essential funds and awareness. Most importantly, they remind families they are not alone.”

She added that the funds raised would go directly towards supporting children and families in the hospital, providing meals, comfort packs, and play resources during treatment. “We love giving back to the community. Hosting an event like this fills the soul and reminds you that if children are fighting, then so can you. Swim for a cause. Splash for a smile.”

Community members can support Rainbows & Smiles by donating, participating in fundraising events, or visiting www.rainbowsandsmiles-sa.org.za for more information.

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