The SwimBowen Magic

The SwimBowen Magic

If ever there was a time for reminders of how small, community-based initiates can have big, beautiful impacts it is now.  The SwimBowen Society was conceived in 2018 with the idea of providing financial support to Bowen Island residents during cancer treatment.  The idea has blossomed into powerful action with 22 Cancer Care Fund gifts totaling $28,500 given to date.  We are in awe by the response to the open water fundraising events and the stunning generosity of our participants, donors, sponsors and volunteers.  Even our pandemic response “Un Event” last July with a mere 4 swimmers raised almost $7,000.  Incredible. Part of the SwimBowen magic is feeling empowered in the face of cancer, a disease that can make us feel so utterly powerless.  The secret sauce is seeing our efforts in action making a real difference with our neighbours and friends during the hardest experience of all.  Over the next 4 months you will be hearing a lot more from us as we launch our Cancer Care Fund Community Outreach Program generously funded in partnership with the Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation supported by the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund, Community Foundations of Canada, and the Bowen Island Community Foundation. We want SwimBowen and the Cancer Care Fund to become household words ensuring everyone knows and has access to the support we have waiting for you. Because sometimes it takes an island to get through cancer treatment!

Mary Letson & the SwimBowen Team