Families swim for charity

A flood of Penticton residents swam in a special fundraiser in support of the United Way South Okanagan Similkameen raising $950 for the local charity.

A Toonie Family Swim Day at the Penticton Community Centre Sunday afternoon attracted 515 people including 435 adults and 80 pre-school children.

"We were blown away by the community's support on Sunday afternoon," said Penticton RCMP Insp. Brad Haugli, who is also the co-chair of the United Way's 2012 campaign cabinet. "Funds raised will be directed to help local youth take part in recreation activities who otherwise could not, and everyone wins when our children are active."

The United Way distributes money raised to social service programs and initiatives that support children, families and seniors in the community.