News release

Deputy Minister Plans Harbour Double Cross

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

David Darrow, Nova Scotia's senior deputy minister and head of the public service, has a reputation as a straight shooter, but on Wednesday, Aug. 22 he is planning a double cross for the United Way.

For the third consecutive year, Mr. Darrow is swimming across Halifax Harbour to raise money for the United Way, but this year he plans to swim over and back.

"If we can raise $3,500 in pledges for this swim, I'll be happy to try swimming over to Dartmouth and back," said Mr. Darrow. "Some people were trying to get me to swim the harbor lengthways but I'll save that for another time."

Mr. Darrow and Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal webmaster Kevin Doran will dive into the harbour off Bishops Landing at 11:30 a.m. and head for the Woodside Ferry Terminal. If their colleagues and friends have dug deep enough into their pockets, the duo will turn around and swim back.

"David never gives the United Way less than his maximum effort and he's proving that again with this year's swim," said department United Way co-representative Nikki DeWolfe. "He and Kevin Doran have been invaluable to the success of the United Way Campaign during the last two years."

For the first time, the swim will be streamed live online. Those wishing to support the swimmers' campaign can watch live at www.gov.ns.ca/unitedway .

Those coming to support the swim at Bishops Landing will be entertained by the music of the Steel Toed Boots, a department musical duo. There will also be a United Way barbecue at the landing site.

For more than 30 years, the provincial government has contributed to the United Way of Canada. Every year, more than 1,600 provincial employees make donations. The government employee campaign begins Oct. 1. Contributions stay in the community and help fund 55 agencies and more than 100 programs. In the case of bad weather, the event will be held Thursday, at the same time.