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Swim from Alcatraz. Fund the Future.

$13,050 of $15,000 goal
Given by 52 generous donors in 7 weeks

Sponsor Mark Davis as he swims the icy, shark infested waters off Alcatraz in support of the Inspire Foundation Marlborough

Marlborough

In August, Mark Davis will jump into the icy waters of San Francisco Bay and swim from Alcatraz Prison to the Golden Gate shoreline.

It’s a brutal 2km open-water swim through freezing temperatures, powerful cross-currents, and waters known for sharks. There’s no turning back once you hit the water - just cold, chop, fatigue, and the mental battle to keep going.

So why do it? Because every stroke is about raising money for Inspire Foundation Marlborough, the organisation Mark proudly chairs - and one that quietly changes the lives of young people across Marlborough.

The Inspire Foundation helps young Marlborough people chase opportunities they might not otherwise reach - whether that’s sport, music, education, or personal development. Grants go towards travel, competition costs, equipment, and support that helps young talent believe in themselves and keep going.

The Sharkfest Alcatraz Swim (https://sharkfestswim.com) is considered one of the toughest iconic swims in the world.

People have already called him “mad” - they might be right.

This Givealittle page is your chance to sponsor Mark’s swim and directly support the Inspire Foundation Marlborough.

Every donation - big or small - goes straight to helping local young people access opportunities, chase goals, and build confidence in themselves.

If Mark can jump into those waters, you can back him from dry land.

Please sponsor the swim. Support the Inspire Foundation. Help inspire the next generation.

Thank you.

About us

The Inspire Foundation’s key role is to recognise, reward and assist extraordinary young

Marlburians to achieve excellence in their chosen field and to develop leadership skills

that will benefit the Community in which they live.

Use of funds

The Inspire Foundation helps young Marlborough people chase opportunities - whether that’s sport, music, education, or personal development. Grants go towards travel, competition costs, equipment, and support.

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Latest update

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Sharkfest Swim  17 February 2026

Posted by: Meg Simmonds

Thanks for the amazing donations. This is going to change the lives of so many young people. My training is going to plan - let’s hope the sharks are swimming somewhere much warmer than the sea off Alcatraz on August 8th.

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On average, fundraisers pay just 2% to use Givealittle. This is one of the lowest effective fees in New Zealand fundraising. We charge a 5% platform fee to cover the cost of running the platform. Because most donors choose to top up their donation to cover this fee, the effective cost paid by fundraisers is about 2%. That means around 98 cents of every dollar raised goes to the cause. Learn More

Latest donations

Jasper
Jasper on 07 Mar 2026
$50
Inspire Foundation Marlborough

Thanks so much for your support. Really appreciate it.

Inspire Foundation Marlborough
Mark
Mark on 03 Mar 2026
Take no prisoners Mark ….. get this done and then concentrate on your golf game - Summy
Private
Inspire Foundation Marlborough

Thanks heaps for your supporting. Aiming to avoid prisoners and sharks!

Inspire Foundation Marlborough
Jeff
Jeff on 01 Mar 2026
Good luck Mark, awesome thing to be doing!
$50
Inspire Foundation Marlborough

Thanks so much Jeff. Appreciate your support.

Inspire Foundation Marlborough
Mike
Mike on 22 Feb 2026
Go well Mate. Awesome
$200
Inspire Foundation Marlborough

Thanks so much Mike. Big challenge! Really appreciate your support

Inspire Foundation Marlborough
Ashlee & Peter
Ashlee & Peter on 19 Feb 2026
Go well Marky Mark!
$400
Inspire Foundation Marlborough

Thanks so so much team. Really appreciate your support

Inspire Foundation Marlborough

Who's involved?

Inspire Foundation Marlborough's avatar
Created by, and paying to a verified bank account of, Inspire Foundation Marlborough (Charity)
Registered Charity
A Registered Charity has legal recognition under the Charities Act 2005.
Tax credit
Donations of over $5 are eligible for a New Zealand charitable giving tax credit.
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This campaign started on 11 Feb 2026 and ends on 21 Aug 2026.