Jessi’s 106 km Endurance Swim for Mental Health

From July 10–12, Jessi Harewicz will attempt the longest unassisted, non-stop swim on Canadian soil — a 106 km journey across Okanagan Lake from Vernon to Penticton.
No wetsuit. No rest. No touching the support boat. Just a swimsuit, cap, goggles, and earplugs, following traditional English Channel rules.

For 48–60 hours, Jessi will swim alone (with a support safety boat she never touches).

Why Jessi is swimming
Jessi swims alone so others are not alone.

Jessi is taking on this challenge to help expand access to youth and family mental health services across the Okanagan. Funds raised through her swim will benefit three new Foundry centres in development:

Foundry North Okanagan – operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District
Foundry Summerland – operated by OneSky Community Resources
Foundry on the Westside (West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Peachland) – operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna & District
and two existing Foundry centres:

Foundry Kelowna – operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna & District
Foundry Penticton – operated by OneSky Community Resources
Too many young people in the Okanagan are struggling, facing anxiety, trauma, and substance use, with nowhere to turn. They can’t wait.

Supporting these Foundry centres will remove barriers to care, bringing support closer to home — so that no youth walks (or swims!) alone.

Click the link below to donate or learn more!