Its not every day that pigs raise money. But, thats happening in The Bahamas thanks to the Ottawa author who wrote the award-winning book, Pigs of Paradise. T.R Todd also produced and wrote the screenplay for a documentary featuring the precocious pigs.

And while they would say there would be fundraising pigs when, well, pigs fly, its actually made possible because they swim.

The pigs are an attraction and were spared from Hurricane Dorian. Thousands of people on other islands were not. Many of those rebuilding rely on the pig business.

So Todds book is helping. Recently, the Ottawa screening of his documentary at 50 Sussex helped raise $23,000. Many businesses donated resources, from the venue to the food.

It all started decades ago, when a small island in Exuma, known as Staniel Cay, had a problem. With the tourism industry growing, the pigs had become a nuisance. They smelled and sometimes escaped their pens. So they were moved to an uninhabited island. They taught themselves to swim to greet those who cared for them.

What started as a farm changed over time.

Today, tourists head to the beach to see how the pigs have adapted to their island retreat.

When we launched our campaign to bring these animals to the world, I thought it would be popular. I had no idea the swimming pigs would become the global sensation they are today. There are now nine pig colonies in The Bahamas. Millions of people see them each year. It contributes millions to the countrys economy, he says.

Todd partnered with well-known Ottawa business leader Peter Nicholson, the president and founder of the foundation WCPD, a financial services firm specializing in philanthropy. Using the tax code, the company assists large donors in giving more to charity. Since 2006, it has generated more than $125 million in donations for its clients across Canada.

Nicholson, who is also the largest owner of Grand Isle Resort in Exuma, was looking for a way to bring more attention to the area. That was when Todd suggested a marketing campaign about the pigs.

In many respects, that image of the pigs swimming in crystal-clear water has become a symbol of The Bahamas itself, Todd says. The swimming pig is the countrys Mickey Mouse.

At the documentary screening, The Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada Alvin Smith spoke about what the country needs. Fundraising is one part. The second part is tourism. Many people believe all of the islands were damaged. They werent. On the day of the hurricane, it was sunny on the pigs island, which is 300 km away from the devastation. Grand Isle Resort was completely untouched.

Peter and I felt we had to do something here in Ottawa. The Bahamas has been a huge part of my life for about 10 years now. And for Peter, he has been investing in the country for more than 14 years. The Bahamas is our adopted home. Many Bahamians are our friends. Hurricane Dorian was unprecedented. The Bahamas has been hit by hurricanes before. This storm was especially ruthless, he says.

And this week, Todd released his fourth book. The Sandbox Diary is fiction and based on his Middle East experiences, specifically in the United Arab Emirates. That was where he helped launch the countrys largest English language newspaper. While satire, it delves into some serious issues, like the clash between so-called western culture and the more conservative Islamic state.

Philanthropy is second nature for both Todd and Nicholson.

In addition to the work done by WCPD they are the founders of the Exuma Marathon, taking place this Saturday. The race, now entering its 5th year, promotes tourism and provides a scholarship to one student on the island each year, so he or she can attend university.

And in the spirit of philanthropy, on Nov. 13, WCPD will once again serve as the presenting sponsor of the Ottawa Philanthropy Awards.

The pigs will be pleased.

Originally posted here:

WALKER: Ottawa writer, and a team of swimming pigs, helping The Bahamas recover from Hurricane Dorian - Ottawa Sun