THEIR numbers may be dwindling, but the hardy men who make up the Blue Marlins Winter Swimming Club continue to raise much needed funds for many of the Port's charitable organisations.
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Three of the club's latest beneficiaries include the Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary, Real Futures and the Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network.
At a $2000 cheque handover to the hospital auxiliary early this month, Blue Marlins president Terry O'Brien said that in 40 years of service the club had donated more than $120,000 to Port charities and not-for-profit organisations.
"The majority of money is raised through our weekly swimming meet, barbecues and raffles," Mr O'Brien said.
"However, last year we decided on something out of the ordinary - a nude calendar featuring our not-so-young members, photographed by Ray Alley who has sadly since passed away.
"The calendars were very popular with the ladies and I want to give a special thanks to patrons at Salamander Shores tavern who made a huge contribution."
Cheque recipient Pauline Faucett, president of the auxiliary's 50-strong membership, said the money would be used in the hospital's palliative care room.
The Blue Marlins meet weekly during the winter months at Tomaree Pool. Anyone interested in joining the group in 2016 can contact Brian Armstrong on 4981 3435.
