Parry Sound resident and passionate pool supporter Kim Magee is swimming Little Otter Lake on August 27 to raise funds for the West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre.
Kim swims in Georgian Bay three times a week during the summer, on a journey to improve her overall health. Kim requires knee surgery and has limited mobility. She will qualify for the procedure once she loses weight. Swimming is an essential part of realizing this goal. “This pool will save my life. I decided to challenge myself with this swim to help get the pool here and to give back to my community.”
Living on a fixed income means that Kim cannot travel to Bracebridge or Huntsville to use their aquatic centres. A pool closer to home will greatly improve Kim’s quality of life, allowing her wellness journey to continue during the long winters when it’s difficult to stay active.
“I know the pool will help me personally,” Kim says. “But I also know it is so important for this entire community, from kids to seniors, to have access to healthy activity.” Kim understands the benefits go beyond enhancing her physical wellbeing. Swimming supports Kim’s mental wellness, helping her to manage stress, which has been a challenge for her since she was a child growing up in foster care. “When I am swimming, I feel free. All my troubles disappear when I’m there in the water.”
The West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre Fundraising Committee is helping Kim’s efforts. “We have already received generous support from local businesses who believe in this cause,” says Seguin Township Mayor Ann McDiarmid, who co-chairs the committee. “We encourage everyone who wants a pool in our community to support Kim’s efforts in whatever way they can, whether that’s by making an online donation, or by bringing their friends and family out to the community barbeque to cheer her on.”
Event Details
Date: Sunday, August 27, 2023
Swim Start Time: 8:00am
Community BBQ Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Admission Cost: By donation
Location: Foley Matheson Park (125 Rankin Lake Road, Parry Sound, ON)
Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Event and fundraising: www.trellis.org/kims-swim
Event Hashtag: #KimsSwimforParrySound
