Dive in for Hope event takes place this month
The Selkirk Community Pool is making a splash with their Dive in for Hope Fundraising event which will support the ALS Society of Manitoba. The Fundraiser started on Nov. 1 and runs until the 30.
ALS is a disease that causes the loss of muscle control and gets worse over time. This nervous system disease affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It’s also referred to as Lou Gehrig disease after the famous baseball player who died from the disease.
The idea to run a fundraiser like this came from a successful fundraiser a few years ago.
“A few years ago, we hosted an event for cancer. It was in support of pancreatic cancer, and so this year, I was approached by the school board and was asked to renew engagement with the public by having another fundraiser. So, I decided to do one for ALS,” said Michelle Stamm, Pool Manager at the Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School.
She explained that a though this is a rare disease there are a few connections within the school division’s community to people who have gone through or are going through this disease so it seemed like a great way to raise some funds and to show support.
“People have an opportunity to collect donations. Anyone that’s involved in swimming, whether it be open swim, swim class, aqua fitness or lap swim, they can get a donation sheet from the pool deck, or I have them. I think I have them posted on the website or they can register, or they can actually donate online through our school division online payment form. Anyone that collects or gives more than $20 and wants tax receipts, the ALS Association will provide them with a tax receipt,” said Stamm.
The fundraiser doesn’t stop at collecting for the ALS Society of Manitoba, however, as to incentivise people getting together to raise funds they are planning a follow up event.
“In December, just because the facility is still busy in November. (Anybody) that donates more than $20 will get a free admission, single admission to a movie night,” said Stamm.
The movie night will take place on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m..
She said that they are fundraising for the ALS Society of Manitoba as there are many things that ALS patients may need help with.
“The money goes directly to ALS Manitoba and supports those that are in need of services like breathing tubes, feeding tubes, and care supports. All funds are allocated to the people that are suffering and the families around them,” said Stamm.
She encourages those who would like to participate to grab a form or make a donation.
“If they want to participate, they can come down and pick up the donation form. They can contact me and I can send one. They can donate online or directly through us at the pool. And, if they want to just come in and do an open swim and give a donation that would be wonderful,” said Stamm.
Residents can get in touch with Stamm at mstamm@lssd.ca. You can also learn more about this event online at selkirkcommunitypool.weebly.com.
