Former student swims for Clifford Bowey School

Mar 09, 2016

David Yerxa has once again taken to the pool in Perth in an effort to raise funds for the annual Swim-a-thon fundraiser for the Clifford Bowey School in Ottawa. The school, which caters to students aged 4 to 21 years who have developmental disabilities, teaches them independence, and helps them develop their communication and mobility skills to their maximum potential so that they can live and participate to the fullest extent possible at home and in their communities.

The annual fundraiser is close to David's heart since as a young adult he attended the school for three years. He said that there, he learned how to cook for himself, learned computer skills and also about the school’s recycling program. The latter has since become a focal point and a big part of his own Sharbot Lake Office Supplies business, which he currently operates from his home.

This is the third consecutive year that David has participated in the swim-a-thon and he said that he begins training in October every year leading up to the event. He also swam in the summer months this past year in Maberly at the pool of former Community Living-North Frontenac staff member Tamatha.

The swim-a-thon took place at the Perth pool on February 17 and David raised $927. He swam a total of 22 laps in half an hour, the maximum time permitted for the swim. Last year David raised $1300 for the cause and the year before, $570. Also, every year in June, David returns to the Clifford Bowey School to hand out a recycling award to one of the students.