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Ultra-marathon swimmer, Jessi Harewicz, who attempted to swim the length of Okanagan Lake in support of youth mental health projects. (Image Credit: Facebook)
By Liam Verster
Foundry Fundraiser

Swimmer falls short of Okanagan Lake record attempt, raises $10K for youth mental health

Jul 21, 2026 | 2:33 PM

An attempt to set a new world record by swimming the full 106-kilometre length of Okanagan Lake fell short, but the fundraising aspect of the endeavour was still successful.

Jessi Harewicz had planned to swim the entire length of the lake from Vernon to Penticton in support of Foundry projects in Vernon, West Kelowna and Summerland.

However, the ultra-marathon swimmer fell ill during the attempt. Battling severe nausea for six hours, she was forced to end her journey near Whiskey Island after swimming 30 kilometres non-stop over a span of 17 hours.

Despite not completing the challenge, Harewicz still raised $10,606 for the Foundry projects.

“This swim was always about supporting young people and making a difference,” Harewicz said.

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“To see communities across the Okanagan and beyond come together, rally behind youth mental health and help us meet the fundraising goal has been incredibly moving. I am so grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, cheered us on and believed in this cause. This truly became something much bigger than a swim.”

Overseen by the Canadian Mental Health Association branches in Vernon and Kelowna, as well as OneSky Community Resources in Summerland, the new Foundry sites will provide mental health care, services and programs for youth in their communities.

“This was a powerful reminder of what can happen when communities unite around youth mental health,” said Julia Payson, executive director of CMHA Vernon & District.

“We are thankful to Jessi and every supporter who helped create momentum for expanding access to Foundry services across the region.”

—

by Liam Verster
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