There’s a definite chill in the air, which bodes well for the United Way of Lethbridge and South Western Alberta.
The 10th Annual Chillin’ 4 Charity event returns to Galt Gardens on Friday, Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as the University of Lethbridge JDC West Business Case Competition Team presents an opportunity for southern Albertans to lend support to their community.
Initiated in 2005, the event involves a host of hearty participants leaping into an icy pool of water while raising funds in support of the United Way of Lethbridge and South Western Alberta. The first eight years of the event were held on the University of Lethbridge campus, before it was relocated to Galt Gardens in 2013. To date, more than $96,000 has been raised by successive generations of Faculty of Management students – all of which is funneled back into the community.
“Chillin’ 4 Charity gives students the opportunity to give back to the community that gives so much to us,” says Sophie de Peuter, co-captain of the U of L JDC West 2015 team. “Moving the event off campus last year to Galt Gardens allowed us to involve the community so much more, whereas in the past it was more of a student event. We see Chillin’ 4 Charity as a fun way of bringing together businesses and individuals to help out those in our city who are in need.”
The group looks to surpass the $100,000 mark for funds raised since the inception of Chillin’ 4 Charity and with Young Parkyn McNab LLP on board as a major sponsor, is in position to substantially better the$7,539.76 raised last year.
The public is invited to head down to Galt Gardens where donations for the United Way of Lethbridge and South Western Alberta are both welcome and encouraged. Food and beverages will be available, as will $5 bags of ice to add just a little more chill to the water. People may also support the cause online at www.lethbridgeunitedway.ca through Dec. 31, 2014.
"Working with the United Way has allowed me to understand the importance of investing in the community and working to help those who need it the most,” says Patrick Maclean, another JDC West team co-captain. “This is my third year contributing to Chillin’ 4 Charity and this event epitomizes the opportunity everybody has to help their community, whether it be monetarily or through a donation of their time.”