PICTOU, N.S. — Employees of the Government of Nova Scotia are hoping to make a splash next week for the United Way in Pictou County.
On Sept. 11, the second annual Pictou Harbour Swim will be held as part of the provincial Government of Nova Scotia’s Workplace Giving Campaign.
Dave Darrow, former deputy minister of Nova Scotia, is the person who came up with the idea to hold a swim as a way to kick off the United Way campaign with the first swim being held in Halifax 10 years ago. It’s continued annually with the exception of one year and has now spread to other parts of the province.
Darrow said it draws attention and adds excitement to the kickoff. Plus, people who love to swim, simply enjoy doing it.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “There’s a lot of comradery that goes along with it.”
To participate, swimmers must be able to swim 1,500 metres in 40 minutes and raise a minimum of $150 for the United Way of Pictou County. Last year there were about 10 participants in Pictou and Darrow said they’re hoping to increase that number this year. Already about 15 have registered for this year.
Darrow remembers the first year they held the swim in Halifax they only had two swimmers. This year they have more than 100 registered for the Halifax swim. He hopes to see a similar growth in Pictou, so that more can be done to support the local United Way.
“I count it a privilege to do something to help,” he said.
Ellen Fanning, who is acting executive director for the United Way of Pictou County, said the organizing committee and swimmers have been working and training hard for this swim.
“We appreciate their support, and all of their efforts to raise funds for the United Way of Pictou County and other United Ways across Nova Scotia,” she said. “We’d also like to thank the many volunteers and boat crews who are ensuring the safety of the participants, and we encourage everyone to join us at the waterfront marina on Caladh Avenue to cheer on the swimmers.”
The event starts at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 11. Spectators are welcome.
Making waves for the United Way of Pictou County
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