Highest fundraisers: 2023 Devonport Chaplaincy Winter Solstice Splash!
Local surgeon and Devonport North Rotary member James Roberts-Thomson has taken the crown for highest fundraiser in the recent Devonport Chaplaincy Solstice Splash.
James raised $1270, ahead of Chaplaincy Learner Driver mentoring program coordinator Adam Lyall who contributed $1200 of the $76,484 raised to support chaplains, school breakfast programs, student and learner driver mentoring, and mental health first aid training.
Devonport Church of Christ Polar Bears was the most successful team, raising a staggering $8090 from among more than 40 swimmers who took a three-minute dip in the surf on Saturday, June 24, at Mersey Bluff to mark the winter solstice.
James wins a $150 Mrs Jones voucher as well as a Boot Camps Tasmania package for his fundraising efforts, while second placed Adam receives a $50 Hill Street voucher in acknowledgement of his efforts.
Dozens of splashers took the plunge at Devonport. A second swim at Ulverstone the previous week was abandoned due to rough seas, with many of the participants joining the Devonport splash a week later.
Devonport Chaplaincy CEO Andrew Hillier, who also took part in the swim, said he was humbled by the generous support of chaplains, parents, teachers and friends who endured a little discomfort to “make life better” for others.
“There was a great spirit among all those who participated,” he said.
Devonport Chaplaincy thanks, Devonport Surf Life Saving Club, What The Fork and Drift, for supporting the second annual swim.