Pool Ezy organised a 12-hour swimming marathon at Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre on July 10 to raise funds for Dementia Australia. Pictured are Damian Reidy, Ryan Quirk, Dean Scott, Dylan Friedberger and Glenn Murray.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Pool Ezy held a 12-hour swimming marathon at Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre on Friday, July 10, raising funds for Dementia Australia.
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The 12-Hour Ripple Effect ran from 6am to 6pm, with participants from various local organisations, including Echuca Meats, Echuca Regional Health nurses and local football and swim clubs.
Pool Ezy marketing co-ordinator Hannah Fletcher said the initiative aimed to support people living with dementia and their families.
“There is not much publicity about dementia,” she said.
“It is a bit of a hidden illness.”
Ms Fletcher explained the personal motivation behind the cause.
“We have quite a few team members here who have direct family experience with dementia and have seen first hand how hard it is on people,” she said.
“It affects all family members, but mainly mothers, because dementia is mostly prevalent in women, especially over the age of 65, and there is not much support out there for it.”
The event, named 12-Hour Ripple Effect, saw participation from various local organisations and raised around $16,000, exceeding the initial target of $5000. Pictured are Eden and Makenzie Fayle, Jack Lomax and Willow Bradshaw.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Echuca Meats and Moama Bakery supplied the barbecue for the day. Pictured are Megan Lomax and Brooke Curic.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The team of 20 had set a fundraising target of $5000, but the event far exceeded expectations.
“We had a lot of people turn up and get in the pool for us,” Ms Fletcher said.
“Around 30 people took the plunge.
“Our crew swam around 20km, and we had 34km swam in total throughout the day.”
The event raised around $16,000 for Dementia Australia.
“We had a great day, having a chat to people, with a great barbecue and live radio broadcast,” Ms Fletcher said.
“We would like to thank Echuca Meats and Moama Bakery for the barbecue.
“The pool was very helpful to us, so a little shout-out to them.
“And everyone for all the raffle donations.”
Ms Fletcher was full of praise for all involved.
“The team at Pool Ezy, they all deserve a shout-out because we couldn’t have done the day without them,” she said.
“Hopefully we will do it again and make it an annual event.”
Those seeking support or wishing to donate to Dementia Australia can visit dementia.org.au or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
The event had 20 team members who collectively swam around 34 km, with approximately 30 participants taking part in the swim. Pictured are Inga and Grady Sandercock and Glenn Murray.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Charlie Palmer powers through the water.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Phoenix and Kiara Van Zetta in action.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The initiative aimed to raise awareness and support for people living with dementia and their families, highlighting the lack of publicity around the illness.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
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