I CAN SWIM Program

Service Description

Why did the Black boy drown? Because he couldn’t swim. Jeremiah Perry tragically drowned during a school trip last summer, while enjoying a quintessential Canadian experience—canoeing in the wilderness. The group stood out in Algonquin Park because most of the kids were Black, a rarity in such settings. Disturbingly, it was later revealed that half of the students could not swim. One might assume that there are ample programs available to help families who can't afford to pay for essential sports and life skills like swimming. However, there are too many barriers that prevent access to these programs—complex application processes, poor communication strategies, a lack of inclusivity in how information is shared, financial shaming, and more. This is why ABC I CAN SWIM was created—with a commitment to breaking down these barriers and ensuring that no child or parent is left behind. EVERY CHILD and PARENT WILL SWIM, thereby saving lives, building confidence, fostering relationships, and increasing inclusiveness in water sports. Despite being surrounded by water, many Caribbean people are not expert swimmers. (See the University of Toronto expert report on this issue.) This must change. Thanks to generous sponsors like Shruti Sharad and Family, Coconut Village Spa, and Irie Bistro Jamaican Restaurant, we have been able to fund this program. For 2022, we are offering reimbursement to those who applied. Applications must be submitted between April 15 and August 15 of each year. Your financial donations to ABC make this possible. Sponsor this program today and help us ensure that every child and parent can swim.