Long distance swimmer Joy Jarvis blew her fundraising goal out of the water.
Jarvis set out bright and early on July 30 to raise money for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Initially aiming to raise $5,000 towards Muskoka’s first MRI. Jarvis finished her swim with close to $6,300, and the total has since crested $6,800.
“The donation and the support was just incredible, unbelievable, and rather overwhelming,” says Jarvis. “It’s awesome, just everyone’s support. There were some people out on their docks and stuff cheering me on. So that was good as well, kind of kept me going.”
According to Jarvis, it was smooth swimming for most of the 9-kilometres, with slightly choppier conditions near the turnaround point.
“I’m feeling good,” says Jarvis. “I was a little stiff after. The swim went well, it was rather rough going around Gallaugher [Island]. I left at eight and planned to be back around 12, 12:30. I was back at a quarter to one, so just a little off schedule but not bad.”
Jarvis, a medical receptionist, says the MRI is a very important piece of diagnostic equipment, and having one of our own will save a lot of headaches.
“I think right now people either have to go to Orillia or North Bay,” says Jarvis. “So having an MRI here in our community, they can stay in the region and don’t have to travel. Having it here in Huntsville will be a big thing for residents.”
The fundraiser has since crested $6,800 through trickle-in donations after the swim, and Jarvis says the donation page will stay open until the end of August. People can also donate directly to the foundation in person or by calling 705-789-4756.
“It’s a wonderful feeling,” says Jarvis. “Anyone who has a goal or a dream in mind, which my swims have been, don’t let it pass you by. Just go for it, it’s an awesome feeling.”
