Everyone loves a dip in our lakes in the 705, but Novar resident Joy Jarvis recently swam 9KM to raise money for lifesaving equipment at Huntsville Hospital. The trip took Joy from Algonquin Outfitters’ dock in downtown Huntsville, up the Muskoka River to Lake Vernon, around Gallagher’s Island and back.
“It was successful,” Joy told 705BLACKFLY.COM with a laugh. “I finished it in 4 hours and 24 minutes.”
At 65-years-old, Joy has completed long distance swims for the past 29 years to raise money for a variety of causes – including a 22-kilometre trek from Port Carling to Lake Rosseau. Last year, she reached out the Huntsville Hospital Foundation to see how she could help.
“It’s something that’s valuable and needed by the community,” Joy said. “When I did the swim last year for the MRI, I was very passionate about that because that’s a piece of equipment that was needed in our area – saving residents from traveling far.”
The July 28th event has raised over $4,000 so far. Funds raised will be used to help buy critical equipment for Huntsville Hospital. Equipment being purchased this year include:
- Cataract Trays
- Echo Patient Table
- Vital Signs Monitor
- Telemedicine Systems
- Defibrillators & Crash Carts
- Anesthesia Machine
- Ultrasound for ICU
- Bladder Scanner
Joy is approximately $1,000 short of reaching her goal of raising $5,000. Donations are being accepted until August 31st. Click here to donate to Joy’s Swim For Lifesaving Equipment At Huntsville Hospital or make a donation directly to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.
Watch the video for our full interview with Joy.
