Long-distance swim legend Diana Nyad completed a 48-hour “Swim for Relief” in Herald Square, New York, at 8:48 am on Oct. 10, to support Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts.

The swim kicked off the Nyad Swim For Relief fundraiser, raising funds for AmeriCares, a nonprofit global health and disaster relief organization. P&G brands such as Duracell, Tide and Secret covered all event costs to maximize funds.

Now through October 31, those in and outside of New York can support the Nyad Swim for Relief by directly donating funds, or starting their own fundraising efforts, at www.NyadSwimforRelief.com.

“While it may look like a solitary sport, it takes a team to show the world we haven’t forgotten the victims of Hurricane Sandy,” said Diana Nyad. “I’ve completed this first step but we need your continued support to raise funds and help communities still hurting a year after the storm. If we can raise $100,000 over 48 hours, imagine what we can do together in the coming three weeks.”

Hurricane Sandy caused approximately $70 billion in damage across the Eastern seaboard, destroying 12,500 homes in New Jersey alone.

Since it was established in 1982, AmeriCares has distributed more than $11 billion in humanitarian aid to 164 countries. For more information, visit americares.org.