This August, Edmonton criminal defence lawyer Rory Ziv is stepping away from the intense environment of the courtroom to face a trial of physical endurance and sheer willpower. In a monumental charity mission titled “Swimming for a Better Tomorrow,” a fundraising initiative currently hosted on the trusted CanadaHelps platform, Rory will attempt to circumnavigate the Isle of Jersey off the coast of France. This is more than a personal milestone; it is a dedicated mission to raise $50,000 for enCompass, an organization that is vital to the safety and rehabilitation efforts within our Edmonton community.
The Monumental Challenge: 50 Kilometres Around the Isle of Jersey
The circumnavigation of the Isle of Jersey is a world-renowned feat in the marathon swimming community. The swim spans approximately 50 kilometres. While the distance alone is staggering, the success of the attempt relies heavily on timing the powerful tides that surround the island. With the assistance of these strong tides, Rory aims to complete the full circumnavigation in an estimated 10 to 12 hours of continuous swimming.
Rory’s journey into marathon swimming began impulsively several years ago after witnessing the conclusion of a 12 km race across Lake Skaha in British Columbia. That moment sparked a passion that has since seen him complete the Skaha swim three times and compete in open-water events across the United States, the Middle East, and Australia. Most recently, in 2024, he secured a first-place finish in his age category during the “swim across the lake” in Peachland, B.C.
From Cape Town to Edmonton: A Lifelong Pursuit of Justice
To understand why Rory is willing to push his body to such extremes, one must look at the foundation of his character. Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Rory grew up in a society deeply divided by social and racial lines. Observing the friction between the citizenry and the government instilled in him a profound desire to advocate for fairness, truth, and justice.
This drive led him to pursue a Psychology Degree with honours from the University of British Columbia before moving to the University of Alberta for his law degree. He fell in love with Edmonton during his studies and chose to make the city his home. His dedication to the law is continuous; even while practicing full-time, he recently completed a Master-in-Laws (LLM) from George Mason University in 2024. For Rory, the law is personal, and that same personal commitment translates into his community initiatives.
A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body: The Philosophy of an Athlete
Rory lives by the maxim that “a healthy mind needs a healthy body”. This philosophy is what drives him to maintain a rigorous training schedule alongside his demanding legal practice. Whether he is cycling or training in open water, Rory uses physical activity to sharpen the mental discipline required to handle some of the most serious legal cases in Alberta, including murder, drug crimes, and complex sexual assaults.
When he isn’t in the water or the courtroom, Rory finds balance spending time with his three high-energy dogs: “Big Boss,” “Mollie,” and an active border collie appropriately named “Justice”. This disciplined lifestyle ensures that when he stands before a judge or prepares for a 50km swim, he does so with total focus and peak preparation.
Swimming for a Better Tomorrow: Raising $50,000 for enCompass
While marathon swimming is often described as a solitary and lonely sport, Rory’s goal for the Isle of Jersey circumnavigation is to make the effort about something much larger than himself. He has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $50,000. These funds are destined for enCompass (formerly known as the John Howard Society), a charity that plays a critical role in the Edmonton justice and social landscape.
Rory has witnessed the invaluable work of enCompass throughout his professional life. He has seen clients who, after serving their time, successfully transition into the community through halfway homes managed by enCompass. By supporting this organization, Rory is contributing to a cycle of rehabilitation that directly leads to a safer and more stable society for all Albertans.
Why enCompass? Supporting Rehabilitation and Family Safety
The funds raised through “Swimming for a Better Tomorrow” will support two primary pillars of enCompass’s programming:
- Family Violence Prevention: Programs that offer recovery support, promote independence, and assist victims as they navigate the complexities of the criminal court system.
- Reintegration Programs: Initiatives designed to assist individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system back into the community, providing the structure and support necessary to prevent recidivism.
Rory believes that rehabilitation is the key to a safe society. By providing the necessary tools for individuals to rebuild their lives and supporting victims of violence, enCompass addresses the root causes of crime and facilitates long-term community health.
Beyond the Courtroom: Building Safer Communities Together
Rory Ziv and the Ziv Law Group are known for their track record of helping people through their most difficult moments. This marathon swim is an extension of that same commitment to helping people get “through to the other side.”
At the conclusion of his monumental swim in August, Rory plans to host a celebratory evening to share his experience through photos and stories, further promoting the essential work performed by enCompass. This event will be an opportunity for supporters to see the direct impact of their contributions and celebrate a shared commitment to a better tomorrow.
Support Safer Communities and Rory’s Marathon Mission by Donating Today!
Rory Ziv is putting his endurance to the ultimate test to support the safety and well-being of Edmonton. Every dollar raised goes directly toward programs that prevent violence and help individuals successfully reintegrate into our society. Whether you contribute $100, $500, or any amount you can offer, your support is deeply appreciated and makes a tangible difference.
Your contribution helps build a safer, more just community for everyone.
Donate Now to the Swimming for a Better Tomorrow Fundraiser
Click here to learn more about Rory Ziv’s legal practice or to contact the firm.