Alyssa Fischer of Matthews, NC, likes to swim. She is aware, however, that not everyone is as fortunate as she is; they might not have proper swimming gear like goggles, kick boards or even a bathing suit. So, Alyssa thought she’d do something about it and created a charitable organization called fins for swims.
Alyssa tells us, in her own words, what her organization is all about and what she hopes to accomplish:
I created fins for swims which is an organization that collects used and new swim equipment to distribute to minority swim programs and at-risk children. I want to give these kids the opportunity to grow to their full potential through the world of competitive swimming. I started the project and solicited the backing of some Olympic swimmers who were very happy to jump in and help. I am hoping that kids around the country want to start a fins for swimscollection site in their area to make it grow. I have several adults and other organizations that want to work with me and partner to make it grow.
Several organizations and groups throughout the country will benefit from my project. In each city or state where a fins for swims collection site is set up, local groups will be the recipients of the equipment. Some of the groups include Diversity in Aquatics, The Swimstrong Foundation and Make a Splash, part of USA Swimming. But I hope that many local underprivileged swim programs in neighborhoods and Y’s or J’s will benefit.
I have a few organizations that are helping me and spreading the word. Diversity in Aquatics and The Swimstrong Foundation are two examples. I could always use more people to help get a program started in their community. I have had interest in starting collection sites in FL, NC, NY, VA and NJ. I have requests for equipment from as faraway as theDominican Republic .
Want to dive in? Visit the fins for swims Website to learn more, including how to set up a collection site or where you can send new or used swim equipment. And best wishes to Alyssa, whose Bat Mitzvah is only days away!
