Festive fundraisers are preparing to take the plunge again, in the hope of topping the 13,000TL they collected for three charities from a Christmas Day swim last year.
Organisers Graham and Barbara Fursman are appealing for sponsorship and for hardy swimmers to brave the sea at Çatalköy’s Shayna Beach.
Funds raised will be split between the North Cyprus Cancer Charity Trust – in place of the Help
Those with Cancer Association (Tulips) which benefited last year – Kyrenia Animal Rescue (KAR) and the Special Needs School in Karakum.
So far 14 people are lined up for the festive dip – a good start, according to the Ozanköy couple, after 19 embraced the chilly waters last year. Creditwest Bank has already donated to the event, and discussions on further funding are being held with lktisatbank.
The event will be launched by Çatalköy Mayor Mehmet Hulusioğlu at 10am, and English and Turkish breakfasts and refreshments will be served in the beach restaurant, with all proceeds going to the causes.
Mrs Fursman said they aimed to support cancer patients battling the “very common and serious” disease as well as the “good work” being done by KAR.
They also hoped to help the Karakum school by giving money to meet a particular need, like last year when the funds paid for new desks.
“I am hopeful that we will be raising a good amount of money, at least around the same amount as last year or if not more,” she said. “We are glad to see new swimmers as it’s always good to have new people becoming aware of why we raise money for these worthy causes.”
For more information or sponsorship forms, call the Fursmans on 0533 836 3972.
By Yasemin Gulpinar for Cyprus Today
