Ottawa Rabbi swims across Lac St-Pierre to raise awareness over vaccine equity
For nearly three hours on one of the hottest days of the year, Rabbi Dara Lithwick swam across Quebec’s Lac St-Pierre.
"It was an amazing feeling, especially hearing those cheers at the end," said Lithwick, an avid swimmer.
Located just 30 minutes outside of Ottawa, Lithwick took the plunge early Saturday morning at the southern point of the lake in Val-des-Monts, on a path toward the northern tip for a distance of about seven kilometres.
Each one, in support of Love My Neighbour - an initiative to raise funds and awareness over global vaccine inequities.
"We are really lucky we have vaccines and a high population getting vaccinated," said Lithwick. "The rest of the world isn’t there yet and the rest of the world needs our help."
By Saturday afternoon, Lithwick surpassed her fundraising goal of $2,400, with the federal government set to match every dollar raised.
"That takes a lot of effort and something I admire about Dara,” said friend Kristen Healy. "Everybody can make a difference even if it's a small difference; it makes a difference to someone else's life. And that's a great example to set."
For Lithwick the swim was a chance to make a difference while doing something she loves.
"We have an obligation to each other. The only way to get through these global challenges is to pull together in any way we can."
For more information about Love My Neighbour, and to donate, visit: https://fundraise.unicef.ca/lovemyneighbour/swim-and-paddle-for-love-my-neighbour-nager-et-pagayer-pour-aime-ton-prochain
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Border restrictions to enter Canada extended until at least Sept. 30
The federal government announced Wednesday all existing border restrictions to enter Canada will remain in place until at least Sept. 30.

R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in sex trafficking case
Fallen R&B superstar R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday for using his fame to subject young fans - some just children - to systematic sexual abuse.
WATCH LIVE | 2 officers undergo surgery, third in hospital after deadly Saanich bank shooting
Police in Saanich, B.C., kept an area near a bank evacuated overnight as they continue to investigate a possible explosive device linked to a deadly gunfight with two suspected bank robbers.
'What were they waiting for?' Woman inside Saanich bank amid shootout describes 'calm' gunmen
A woman who was trapped inside a bank during a robbery and fatal shootout with police near Victoria on Tuesday says there is one question still plaguing her a day later: Why didn't the gunmen just leave with the money?
Where do the inquiries into the 'Freedom Convoy' protests and use of Emergencies Act stand?
Five months ago, the first 'Freedom Convoy' trucks rolled into Ottawa. After the federal government took the unprecedented step of invoking the Emergencies Act to end the protests, a series of inquiries and probes have been initiated. With the nation's capital bracing for more protests over the Canada Day weekend, CTVNews.ca takes a look at where the main commissions and studies stand.
Mother forced to spend night sleeping on Toronto Pearson floor because of Air Canada delays
A mother of three children is speaking out after spending a night on the floor of Toronto Pearson Airport with her young kids in a nightmare weekend of travel.
Virginia man dies by suicide after toddler left in hot car dies
A toddler accidentally left in a vehicle for hours died Tuesday and police said his father was found dead in an apparent suicide at their Virginia home, police said.
Canada to lead upgraded NATO combat force in Latvia
Canada has signed an agreement to upgrade the NATO battlegroup it leads in Latvia to a brigade, a move that signals a commitment to the military alliance even as the federal Liberals resist calls to boost defence spending to two per cent of GDP.
INVESTIGATION | OPP officer contributed to Toronto's notorious tow truck industry, court hears
A decorated OPP officer became part of the problem of the GTA’s troubled tow truck industry when he played favourites and sent more than half a million dollars in tows to a tow truck company also featured in a reality TV show, according to a Superior Court justice.