Badenoch swimmers go the extra 22 miles to help food hub
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Badenoch Swimming Club swimmers clocked up a whopping 22 miles – or to put it another way 36,550 lengths – in a sponsored swim to raise money for the Badenoch and Strathspey Food Hub.
The dedicated swimmers, ranging in age and experience, took to the fast lanes at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort pool in mid December in two sessions and the fruits of their labour were handed over recently.
The task was to swim steadily throughout the evening session for one hour, and to individually complete as many lengths as possible.
Club spokeswoman Emma Benbow said: “The swimmers worked hard to achieve their personal best distances and worked equally hard to gain sponsorships and collect the funds once the swim had been completed.
“The swimmers range in age from 9 – 50 years of age and for some, this was their first sponsored swim event with Badenoch Swimming Club.”
Collectively they raised the impressive amount of £1044 and this cash was handed to Carole Butler, from B&S Food Hub on January 22.
The swim club is a local, volunteer led club based at the Aviemore resort. It has been helping local swimmers make their mark in the water for the last 16 years, offering classes twice a week during term time with generous support from the resort.
In past years, the annual sponsored swim has also risen money for Water Aid and Open Doors.
Ms Ben bow said: “We’re proud of the swimmers and their determined efforts to swim together to raise money for a worthy cause in the local community.
“A huge ‘thank you’ is extended from the Badenoch Swimming Club to the swimmers and committee of volunteers, and to the supporters of the club for their generous donations.”
The swim was also supported by Tesco in Aviemore – swimmers each received a bag of chocolate coins for their efforts.
A B&S Food Hub spokesperson said: “We would like to thank the club for raising such an astounding amount of money to help support the food hub. It is fantastic to see the enthusiasm they have harnessed to help support a local charity whilst having fun and keeping fit.
“These donated funds are critical for helping us support individuals and families and prevent poverty across the whole area.
“The Food Hub provides emergency food supplies for anyone in need, and we also support three food tables in Kingussie, Aviemore and Grantown which are accessible to everyone whenever they need it.”
“We are very proud the club chose to raise these funds for the B&S Food Hub especially during the current cost-of-living crisis.”
n To get involved at the club email: badenochswimmingclub@outlook.com
