The 33rd annual St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound kicks off Saturday but will be held virtually this year.

Participants can do any kind of athletic activity for 15 miles, symbolizing the length swimmers usually trek from Long Island to Bridgeport for the event.

The money raised provides financial, emotional and psychological assistance to people battling cancer and their families.

Dianne Auger, the vice president of strategy and regional development for St. Vincent's, says this year is exciting because everyone gets to participate for the entire month of August.

"Throughout all these 33 years it's been a real privilege for St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound to be there for people who need assistance when they're battling cancer," she says. "The virtual swim is one way that we could keep it going, that we can encourage more people to participate and really understand the value of people helping people and get healthy at the same time."

The goal is to raise $300,000.