Community Invited to Swim at Dr. Hui Lee Memorial Fundraiser

Annual event honors late internist and raises funds for Heart and Stroke Foundation

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The 22nd annual Dr. Hui Lee Memorial Swim, a fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, will be held on February 27th at the John Rhodes Community Centre Pool in Sault Ste. Marie. The event honors Dr. Hui Lee, a highly respected internist who died suddenly of a heart attack in 2004 at the age of 39. The swim team he coached, the Soo Masters Polar Bears, has held this annual fundraiser for over 20 years, but this year Dr. Lee's widow, Dr. Anne Lee, hopes to welcome more members of the community to participate.

Why it matters

The Dr. Hui Lee Memorial Swim raises critical funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, which has played a key role in advancing medical research and treatments for cardiovascular disease and stroke. This event honors the legacy of a beloved local physician who was passionate about health education and prevention.

The details

The 4-hour swim event allows participants to swim as much or as little as they wish, with the original challenge being to swim 10 km. While the Soo Masters Polar Bears team has traditionally participated, Dr. Anne Lee hopes to expand community involvement this year. Pledge forms are available at the John Rhodes Pool, and donations can also be made online. The event has raised nearly $100,000 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation since 2005.

  • The 22nd annual Dr. Hui Lee Memorial Swim will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Dr. Hui Lee died suddenly of a heart attack on March 26, 2004 at the age of 39.

The players

Dr. Hui Lee

A highly respected internist at the Group Health Centre who died suddenly of a heart attack in 2004 at the age of 39. He was an avid swimmer and coached the Soo Masters Polar Bears swim team.

Dr. Anne Lee

The widow of Dr. Hui Lee and a primary care provider at the Group Health Centre. She is hoping to expand community participation in the annual memorial swim event.

Soo Masters Polar Bears Swim Team

The swim team that Dr. Hui Lee coached and has held the annual memorial swim fundraiser for over 20 years.

Heart and Stroke Foundation

The organization that receives the funds raised by the annual Dr. Hui Lee Memorial Swim, which have totaled nearly $100,000 since 2005. The Foundation has played a key role in advancing research and treatments for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

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What they’re saying

“I'd like to welcome more members of the community to participate.”

— Dr. Anne Lee, Widow of Dr. Hui Lee (SooToday)

“The month before he died he challenged our swim team to cover certain distances in four hours and quite fittingly he said in February 2004 'let's make this a fundraiser for heart and stroke.'”

— Dr. Anne Lee, Widow of Dr. Hui Lee (SooToday)

What’s next

The 22nd annual Dr. Hui Lee Memorial Swim will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre Pool in Sault Ste. Marie.

The takeaway

The Dr. Hui Lee Memorial Swim is a longstanding community event that honors the legacy of a beloved local physician while raising critical funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation's important work in cardiovascular disease research and treatment. By expanding participation, the event can continue to make a meaningful impact in the years to come.