Landmark Minority-Owned Business Provides Water Safety Classes for 232 Children

— Eldon Ward Swim-A-Thon Raises Money for swim lessons for local youth —

Columbus, OH — E.E. Ward Moving and Storage is pleased to announce its recent Laps For Learning charity event successfully raised $17,400 to provide swim lessons for 232 children in the Columbus area.

The money raised will be used to send children to Safety Around Water classes provided by the YMCA to teach the fundamentals of swimming and water safety. For the fundraiser, E.E. Ward teamed up with the Eldon and Elsie Ward Family YMCA to collect donations.

“Historically the African-American community has had less access to pools and water availability, and that leads to swim lessons and then being able to pass on that life-skill from parent to child. So serving and being a part of this community we see that as a gap that the Y can definitely play a role in,” said Al Obayuwana, Director of the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA.

Thanks to sponsors and the event participants who raised funds through pledges for laps swam; this first year event was a massive success. The week of fundraising concluded with a Big Swim event on August 12, 2017, which included relay races, prizes, and awards to celebrate all the participants.

“We were so excited to have the support of our sponsors Grainger, Fire and Focus, First Merchants Bank and SKAFCO. This event pays homage to the legacy of Eldon W. Ward and his passion for giving back to the community,” said E.E. Ward co-owner Dominique Brooks.

Water safety is a pressing issue nationally. According to Stanford Children’s Health, approximately 830 children under the age of 14 drown every year and an additional 3,600 injuries are sustained by near drowning. Events like Laps For Learning will help communities raise awareness and reach their goal of every child being able to survive in an aquatic setting.

 

About E.E. Ward Moving and Storage Co.
Established in 1881, E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. is a nationally recognized leader in the relocation and transportation industry providing relocation and logistics solutions for corporations, governmental agencies, educational institutions and private individuals. The U.S. Department of Commerce has recognized E.E. Ward as one of the oldest minority-owned businesses in the United States.

E.E. Ward is an agent for North American Van Lines and CRST Specialized Transportation. Information on E.E. Ward can be found on their website at www.eeward.com.

 

PRESS CONTACT:
Christi Richter
614-298-8414
marketing@eeward.com