As more and more witches, super heroes, hula dancers and at least one dinosaur gathered at the end of Davis Bay Wharf late Sunday afternoon, the rain stopped, the dark clouds parted and the sun came out — a sure sign the weather goddesses approved of the cold-water dip about to take place.
The swim was a fundraising event in support of the Ruby Slipper and Black Boot Fund, organized by the Blue Titty Committee, a group of cold-water swimmers who brave the elements to wade into the ocean once or twice a week, year-round.
At about 5:15 p.m., those who dared headed down to the beach, stripped down to their bathing suits and the Blue Titty swim began in earnest, with some dashing into the freezing water and dashing back out, while a large group lingered, chatting and laughing. Off to the side, a curious seal popped its head out of the ocean several times to watch the action.
Sherryl Latimer, a member of the Daring Dippers of the Salish Sea and the Blue Titty Committee, who helped organize the event, said the swim was a first for the group. In total almost 60 turned out for the event, with more than 20 swimming in the frigid water. She added almost $1,200 was raised for the fund.
“So, I’m happy with the turnout,” she said.
Several members of the Ruby Slipper and Black Boot Fund attended the swim in support of their efforts, including Wendy Comeau, who said she appreciated the support from the Blue Titty Committee.
The Ruby Slipper and Black Boot Fund holds charity events each year to raise funds to support people affected by cancer by providing emergency funding after initial diagnosis, funding for respite care for caregivers, help with the cost of medications and other patient needs not covered by insurance, help for expenses incurred from a cancer diagnosis, which aren’t covered, and help with the cost of necessities, such as food and gas.
The group was founded in honour of Patsy Rothenbush, who died from cancer in the summer of 2009, at the age of 51. Having received so much support from the Sunshine Coast community herself, it was Patsy's wish that a fund be started to support others affected by cancer on the Coast. To help make her vision a reality, the Ruby Slipper and Black Boot Fund was founded by her close friends. To date, the group has raised more than $250,000, which has all gone back into the community.
“Our purpose is to support community members who are affected by cancer,” Comeau said. “100 percent of the money raised stays on the Coast to help Coast people. We have been helping people for 15 years.”
The Ruby Slipper’s largest fundraiser of the year, takes place this Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre, and will include live music, 50/50 raffles, silent auctions, light snacks and a cash bar. Tickets are $50 and available at Moorestock or Palmeros. Doors open at 7 pp.m., music starts at 8 p.m.
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