P&G ‘Floats’ Nyad Swim for Relief Effort

Fresh off her record-breaking swim from Cuba to Florida, long-distance swim legend Diana Nyad has been “crawling” through her 48-hour continuous “Swim for Relief” in New York City’s Herald Square. The swim, which is scheduled to conclude today, was created to support Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts by raising funds for AmeriCares. P&G brands Tide and Secret, as well as Duracell, are underwriting production costs for the Nyad Swim for Relief, maximizing the funds donated that directly support AmeriCares Sandy-related recovery activities.

“By supporting Diana, we can improve the lives of Sandy victims and help restore a sense of normalcy to lives disrupted by disasters,” said Melanie Healey, P&G North America Group president. “Procter & Gamble has a long history of responding to natural disasters through the power of our brands and our people. The Nyad Swim for Relief is a continuation of that commitment.”

“As we near the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, it’s crucial that we recognize the importance of disaster relief – not just in the days following an event, but in the months and years that follow,” said Nyad. “The ’Nyad Swim for Relief’ allows me to demonstrate strength and endurance in a statement of solidarity with those who have suffered in communities I care about.”

Nyad has been swimming in a 120-foot long, two lane pool in Herald Square, allowing New Yorkers to witness her endurance firsthand and cheer her on as she raises funds for those in need. Celebrities, community leaders, local organizations and everyday New Yorkers have been swimming alongside her. Those in and outside of New York can also participate by directly donating funds, or starting their own fundraising efforts, at www.NyadSwimforRelief.com.

Hurricane Sandy caused approximately $70 billion in damage across the Eastern seaboard, destroying 12,500 homes in New Jersey alone. To date, in Ocean County, NJ alone, more than 25,000 residents are still displaced from their homes and in New York FEMA has again extended its deadline for Transitional Sheltering Assistance – demonstrating the continued need for these recovery efforts.