Ottawa's Inclusive LGBTQ2+ Swim Club, the Rideau Speedeaus, are happy to organize the Pride swimEAUthon fundraiser to continue our community involvement. This event will raise funds for two of our community’s important organizations: CANFAR and The Ten Oaks Project. Both these organizations have a significant impact on the Ottawa/Gatineau gay community and we feel that it is important to support their efforts. In the past nine swimEAUthons we have raised over $82,000 for various LGBTQ2+ groups in the area with up to 40 swimmers participating annually.

When collecting the donations, donors choose the charity to support by completing the appropriate donation form attached. Cheques are made out to the charity chosen by the donor. The donations and forms will be collected on the day of the swimEAUthon so that the organizations will then be able to issue tax receipts to the donors.

You can swim the 1500 meters (60 lengths) either as an individual or as a team of up to four swimmers. There will be heats organized according to entry times swum slowest to fastest. Snacks and refreshments will be available during the event. A picnic for all volunteers and participants follows the event in the adjacent park.​ ​​

To participate as a volunteer or to get more information, please contact info@rideauspeedeaus.com. Volunteers are needed for the swimEAUthon to prepare the picnic, collect on-site donations, count laps, perform timing and record the results.

CANFAR is a national, independent organisation advancing HIV knowledge and science.

Fuelled by fundraising, we invest in and foster effective research, build awareness, and cultivate partnerships to share expertise and encourage joint action. We have given more than $26 million in grants to HIV/AIDS research projects. Together, these nearly 575 projects have helped achieve breakthroughs in HIV prevention, testing, access to treatment, combating stigma, and the search for a cure.

The Ten Oaks Project is a charitable organization working to help children, youth and families from 2SLGBTQ+ (two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer) communities thrive.

Based in Ottawa, the Ten Oaks Project was founded in 2004 and offers affirming and life changing camp and local programs for children, youth and families.

The swimEAUthon will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the Crestview Pool from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

In order to participate in the swimEAUthon, you must swim for a distance of 1500 metres in any style. Funds collected through the activity will be donated to CANFAR or The Ten Oaks Project. By filling out this form you are accepting the waiver found below.

To ensure that your donors can receive tax receipts please collect the following information to provide to the charity when submitting donations: Donor name, Donor mailing address and Donor email address. A pre-prepared form can be found at the link below.