COLD LAKE — The water was anything but still on June 22, as the Cold Lake Marina became the scene of an inspiring underwater mission.
Hosted by Dunnills Diving Services, the Diving for Cancer event brought together a team of 14 volunteer divers from across Alberta to raise funds and awareness for cancer, all while cleaning up the lake bottom.
“We're raising funds for cancer awareness and for the Lakeland Cancer Crushers to pay for their entry into the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer in Strathmore this July,” said Stuart Dunnill, co-founder of Cold Lake Diving.
Divers pulled up a surprising assortment of debris from the lakebed.
“Looks like we got about 15 tires, a spool, a grater, plow blade, lots of glass, few lures, bits and pieces of plastic, tire rim,” he said, noting the event aimed to match last year’s cleanup total. “So last year we got 2,046 pounds. So, we're trying to match that this year.”
“This is the first time we’ve done Diving for Cancer,” said Dunnill. “Last year it was for hunger, but this year is personal — my wife's battling her third round of breast cancer, so it all just fell into place.”
The divers— all volunteers from communities like Edmonton, Westlock, Cold Lake, and Cherry Grove — were equipped to handle heavy finds.
Support from the local community was key to making the event a success. “We can't do it without the community support.”
Community turnout was strong, with supporters lining up for $5 hamburgers and hot dogs at the marina barbeque fundraiser.
Whether the event returns to Cold Lake next year is still uncertain. “We're not too sure if we're going to do it again in Cold Lake. Other communities have reached out to us wanting us to do it there,” Dunnill explained. “Lac la Biche needs to be done, Therien Lake. There's different lakes that don't have regular divers picking up garbage.”
