Swim for charity

Entries for the inaugural Oceans 8 Charity Swim will close on Tuesday, May 31.

Oceans 8, with a 1 Mile or an 8 Mile option – aims to provide a reliable and sustainable flow of funding to 14 deserving non-profit organisations (NPOs) in KwaZulu-Natal.

The swim will be held on June 17 and 18 at the Durban Undersea Club. Oceans 8 Charity Swim spokesperson, Hilary Bruss, said they are really excited to be hosting the inaugural Oceans 8 Charity Swim. Bruss said the swim is being held at a key time in terms of both ocean conservation and support for NPOs.

“Following the recent KZN floods, we have witnessed the massive plastic pollution challenge that continues to plague our oceans and we are hoping to really shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done by our NPOs in addressing this. This swim is also about raising the much-needed financial support that allows 14 organisations to continue with the ground-breaking work they are doing,” said Bruss.

She added that the pandemic and lockdown measures have also placed incredible pressure on NPOs, saying that the economy is battling, making sponsorship and funding very hard to come by. Bruss said by entering this fun ocean swim, communities are showing their support and making it possible for these organisations to continue operating.

Entries for the 8 Mile swim closed on Monday, May 23 and those who enter the 1 Mile swim by Tuesday, May 31 will receive a free buff.

According to Bruss, all funds generated through the 8 Mile swim will support the work of the five main charities, allowing these organisations to deliver on projects which impact education, the environment, community development, and upliftment for those most in need.

In addition to this funds generated by the 1 Mile swim will assist a further nine invitational charities.

Bruss said Lion’s rugby player, James Tedder will also be supporting the swim, adding that Tedder is also challenging other provincial rugby players to take on the 1 mile swim.

“The event organisers are also hosting an inter-school competition for the 1 mile with a floating trophy given to the school with the most entrants, as well as one for the school that raises the most money. Even those not competing can assist by raising funds for the individual school contributions, or simply donating towards the cause,” said Bruss.

She added that the ocean swim was started by five charities, the Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT), National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Project Rhino, Singakwenza Early Childhood Education, and WILDTRUST.

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