Torch passed for swimathon
Daughter Vanessa Oake Hogan takes over from Carl Oake in leading Rotary Carl Oake Swimathon on Feb. 16
Vanessa Oake Hogan says she is proud what the Rotary Carl Oake Swimathon has become and honoured to accept the torch from her father, who started the fundraiser that bears his name more than three decades ago.
She took over ownership of brokerage Century 21 United Realty last year and now runs the annual fundraiser set to return to the YMCA pool on Feb. 16.
“I feel very fortunate,” she said during a Monday morning kickoff for the 32nd event, which has raised approximately $1.2 million for local charitable organizations. “It’s a fun morning for everyone and it reminds everyone why they are there.”
It won’t be that big of a change because she has already been involved with the event for years, Oake Hogan pointed out. “It’s been a natural transition.”
Participants collect pledges in teams of four or five before swimming a lap in the YMCA pool during the swimathon, which runs from 7 a.m. until about 8:30 at the Aylmer St. facility. Awards are given to the top corporate fundraiser, top individual fundraiser and the wackiest dressed team.
Last year’s event raised about $45,000 and this year’s goal is $50,000. A quarter of the 2017 proceeds were donated to Easter Seals Ontario and the rest went to Rotary initiatives.
Habitat for Humanity, Five Counties Children’s Centre, Camp Kawartha, the Prince of Wales Public School breakfast program, YMCA, YWCA Crossroads Shelter, the Rotary Greenway Trail and Musicfest have all benefited.
Easter Seals senior development officer Coralie Jacobs told those gathered about the profound impact of the funding, including how it sends children to camps where they get to experience things they wouldn’t otherwise get to.
This year’s ambassador, Kaydance Lane – who wasn’t able to make the launch because of the weather – is one of many who have benefited, she said.
“(Fundraisers) are making dreams come true and this is a perfect example,” Jacobs said.
Lane, an eight-year-old who attends Leslie Frost Public School in Lindsay, was looking forward to telling everyone about her first camp experience last year. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was 18 months old.
Organizers screened an emotional video in which a gleeful Lane learned she had been accepted to attend her first Easter Seals camp, where she would enjoy canoing, meeting new people and making smores at a campfire.
“I’m excited. I’m really excited,” she beamed.
Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett, who said the swimathon has become a staple because of the hard work of many people, pointed out that its future is bright.
“The legacy will continue to go on in very capable hands,” he told those gathered.
Peterborough County Warden Joe Taylor said the event is one that defines the area and the cumulative fundraising total reflects positively on everyone.
“That is something we should be really proud of,” he said.
Oake, who pointed out that he won’t be able to attend this year as he will be out of the country, thanked the many sponsors who have contributed.
“Without them, this wouldn’t have happened,” he said.
The launch was held at Collins Barrow Kawarthas, which has upgraded its support to presenting sponsor after years of including a team.
Stephanie Gates, one of two new partners at the Charlotte Street business, said Collins Barrow believes it’s important to give back. “We know the funds raised stay here in Peterborough ... we really look forward to taking part in this great event.”
To register a team, email or call Kayla Shannick at kayla.shannick@century21.ca or 705-7434444.
To donate, sent a cheque to Rotary Carl Oake Swimathon to Box 172 Peterborough, Ont. K9J 6Y8 or visit www.ptborotaryswimathon/give.
For more information on the Rotary Carl Oake Swimathon, visit ptborotaryswimathon.com, facebook.com/ptborotaryswimathon or follow @ptborotary on Twitter.
NOTES: A commercial and promo featuring former CFTO -TV weatherman Dave Devall and CHEX-TV personality Teresa Kaszuba were also screened .... The Easter Seals Telethon returns to CHEX-TV from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 9 ... Rotary Club of Peterborough president Andi Van Koeverden also presented a $2,500 donation to the YMCA to general manager Kelly Wilson.