Amidst the world news and challenges near and far, it’s the small things we can do together as a community that can make a big, beautiful impact. SwimBowen is that little bit of grassroots magic that unfolds every year at Tunstall Bay Beach.
Swimmers, volunteers, donors and sponsors coalesce in their efforts creating a whole bunch of athletic joy all while supporting the Cancer Care Fund that provides financial gifts to Bowen Island residents in active cancer treatment. There is something so uplifting about having agency in the face of a disease that has a way of making us feel utterly powerless.
This year’s fundraising event takes place on Saturday, July 15 at 10:30 am, with great prizes for the top swimmers in both the 1500 and 750 metre events, delicious refreshments, and an awards ceremony bursting with draw prizes including a deluxe three night Whistler Getaway awarded to the top fundraiser.
Registration is limited to 75 swimmers only, so avoid disappointment and register early. To those Bowen Islander residents on “island time”, if the event sells out before May 1 we’ve got you covered with a few spots set aside especially for you available until May 1.
This year we are offering free registration to those registered swimmers raising over $300 on their SwimBowen fundraising page. How it works: once you register and reach $300 on your profile page, send us an email to [email protected] and title your message “Fundraiser Eligible for Refund”.
Include your full name, distance you are registered for and we will credit you the registration fee. Every participant has an online page to make your own by uploading a photo and adding a few words (or heck, tell us a big beautiful story) about what lights you up about ocean swimming and SwimBowen. Share your SwimBowen goals with friends and family and watch the magic unfold.
Along with the ever excellent Swim Buddy, we are excited to offer limited edition luxurious 100 per cent cotton, full size (40”x70”) beach towels embroidered with the SwimBowen logo. Gorgeous! You can add to your registration order and pick up on event day.
Thank you to our generous sponsors to date who keep us afloat in the most beautiful way: The Orchard Recovery Centre, Barry Thomas Realtor, Positively Fit, Rainforest Digital, Mary Lynn Machado Realtor, and Brian Smallwood (Mr. California!)
Keen to volunteer? From water marshaling to parking attendants, we would love to have you come on board. Email us at [email protected] to let us know your desired role, and then bask in the glory of supporting the best little event in the Gulf Islands.
The Cancer Care Fund supports Bowen Island residents in active cancer treatment. Thanks to everyone’s incredible generosity, since 2018 the Cancer Care Fund has provided $60,800 in gifts to Bowen Island residents doing the full-time work of cancer treatment.
Our unique mandate (no other organization does quite what we do at the level we do it) and timely gifts range between $1,500 and $2,000 and are making an immense impact for individuals and families enduring treatment.
Who is eligible for a Cancer Care Gift? Bowen Island residents prescribed any combination of cancer treatment - radiation, surgery, chemotherapy - are all eligible for a Cancer Care Gift. Those in palliative care are also eligible. As well, individuals who have been prescribed cancer treatment but are choosing alternative therapies instead are also eligible.
