Supporters of a charity established to help girls in rural Sierra Leone delved into the waters of South Shore for a fridgid fundraiser yesterday.

Abayomi Carmichael, executive director of Elevating Hope, said the Great Bermuda Penguin Swim at John Smith’s Bay was a hit.

Mr Carmichael said: “It was an exciting event that was well attended by participants and spectators.

“The swim was held to help raise $50,000 for Hope Academy School for Girls in a rural area of Sierra Leone.

“The money from today’s event will be used to build a library and computer room and to fence in the property to protect the farm which will help to make the school self-sustaining.”

Aderonke Bademosi Wilson, development director for the charity, added: “This is the first event held by Elevating Hope which was created last November.

“We thank everyone who braved the cool water and took the plunge with us this afternoon and look forward to seeing everyone at our next event.”

Ms Wilson also thanked Chewstick for their support, and sponsors including Buzz, Digicel, Marketplace, Barritt’s, Specialty Cinema, Butterfield and Vallis and the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club.