Splash for cash: how domestic helper gives back to Hong Kong charity in 45km swim relay at sea
Splash Foundation, organiser of Make Waves relay, aims to raise HK$3.5 million to fund free swimming lessons for the underprivileged
A domestic worker who was taught how to swim by a charity will join a relay team composed of former Olympians in making a 45km (28 miles) journey in the waters around Hong Kong Island to raise money for the underprivileged to have free swimming lessons.
Josephine Tolentino, a 54-year-old from the Philippines who has lived in the city for more than a decade, will swim alongside 29 other elite swimmers and business leaders in the competition on November 8.
Called Make Waves, the event is organised by Hong Kong-based charity Splash Foundation, which aims to raise HK$3.5 million (US$450,000) this year – HK$500,000 more than its goal in 2023. The funds will help domestic helpers and the underprivileged learn how to swim and enjoy the sport.
“Swimming became the best solution I had to the stress and homesickness that comes with being a migrant worker,” Tolentino told the Post. “I took the first step to learn to swim and found there was so much I could achieve. I want everyone to have the opportunity I had.”
Other participants include Hong Kong’s Italian consul general, Carmelo Ficarra, who is joining the competition for the first time and has been a keen swimmer since he was eight years old.
“The goal and value of the event are something I share, which is solidarity on a specific topic – to help kids and adults who are less fortunate than we are learn how to swim,” Ficarra said.
