RU’s president, Vice-President and swimming stars sail full steam ahead from Kársnes to Nauthólsvík

Ragnhildur Helgadóttir, President of Reykjavik University, and Bryndís Björk Ásgeirsdóttir, Vice-President of RU, kayaked to work this morning from the small-boat harbor at Kársnes across to Nauthólsvík. Ýmir Chatenay Sölvason and Veigar Hrafn Sigþórsson, elite swimmers and RU students, swam the same route.

Ragnhildur and Bryndís Björk had promised to kayak to work if the goal of the Student Union of RU’s (SFHR) Charity Week—to raise one million ISK in support of the Píeta Association—was achieved.

“SFHR asked us to take part in the challenge during Charity Week, and of course we were delighted to be able to participate in support of Píeta. Bryndís came up with this great idea that we should paddle to work, since we are both kayakers,” says Ragnhildur.

Goal achieved—and everyone in wetsuits

Ýmir and Veigar Hrafn had both promised to swim to school if the same goal was reached, namely that one million ISK was raised. A total of 1,220,000 ISK was raised, so there was nothing left for the group to do but put on their wetsuits and paddle and swim to Nauthólsvík.

“Ýmir and Veigar Hrafn did an amazing job. The challenge was primarily theirs, but it was great to do this with them and take part. And we have raised so much money for such an important cause: supporting mental health and suicide prevention through the Píeta Association. We are truly proud of our students,” says Bryndís Björk.

Students and staff at RU gave Ragnhildur, Bryndís Björk, Ýmir and Veigar Hrafn a very warm welcome when they came ashore at Nauthólsvík. They arrived considerably earlier than expected, as both groups made excellent time.

All proceeds raised will go directly to Píeta, which, as mentioned above, works to prevent suicide and self-harm and provides support to family members and others affected.

Read more about Charity Week and the fundraising campaign here.