The Rideau Speedeaus Ottawa/Gatineau SwimEAUthon raised more than $12,000 for the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) and le Bureau regional d’action SIDA (BRAS).

Club secretary Richard Goddard says it is a 10 percent increase from last year’s fundraising effort thanks to greater participation from local swim clubs and other organizations.

“Not only did we raise money for two great charities, we also had a great time,” says Goddard. “We had parents and kids, we had people travel in from out of town, as well as strong representation from both Gatineau and Ottawa.”

BRAS director Stéphanie Lalande says he is grateful. “Without initiatives like the one of the Rideau Speedeaus, we would not be able to raise that kind of money.”

March 30 — This weekend members of the Rideau Speedeaus, the Ottawa GLBT swim team, will be pulling up their Speedos and swimming lengths in aid of two Ottawa community AIDS organizations – the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) and le Bureau regional d’action SIDA (BRAS).

For the second year, the swim club is holding its annual Ottawa/Gatineau SwimEAUthon. Participants can register individually or as teams.

One of the club’s members, Remi De Champlain, is a family physician with an interest in AIDS, says Rideau Speedeaus secretary Richard Goddard.

“Remi proposed the swimEAUthon as an opportunity to harness the energy of both our club and the community in support of two great organizations,” Goddard says. “Last year we were able to raise over $12,000, and this year we are hoping to build on our previous success.”

Goddard says that while there has been progress in managing the spread of AIDS, more social awareness is needed.

“There is still a stigma associated with the disease due to lack of education. As well, many people who have been affected by the disease do not have the resources necessary to deal effectively with the disease and its impact on their day-to-day lives. These organizations provide support through education, outreach and counselling that can have a meaningful impact on the well-being of people living with AIDS.”

The Deets:

Rideau Speedeaus Ottawa/Gatineau SwimEAUthon

Sat, March 31, from 8:30am to noon

Centre Aquatique Paul-Pelletier
325 Aylmer Rd

To register, contact nrss.regist@hotmail.ca

rideauspeedeaus.com