More than 60 students and community members jumped into a chilly pool of water Friday, Nov. 27 to support the United Way of southwestern Alberta -- and raised approximately $15,000 in the process.
The University of Lethbridge Jeux du Commerce (JDC) West 2010 Team hosted the 5th annual "Chillin' for Charity" event, dubbed the The 'freshest' and 'chilliest' event to take place this time of the year.
The JDC West Team and celebrity jumpers -- including U of L President Bill Cade and others deluded enough to think that leaping into a giant pool of ice cold water is fun -- raised funds for the United Way and hopefully lands the team in the winners circle for the community service/charity component of the JDC West competition.
While a steady snowfall covered the participants, U of L President Bill Cade -- the first jumper of the afternoon -- said it was a good day for polar bears. "I was asked what my strategy was, and it was to be brave, get prepared, be ready to get cold and -- like the theme of this event -- to chill for charity."
"It was really cold. I'm glad I missed the ice," said Stacey Fujikawa, one of the organizers. Indeed, ice was the order of the day, as numerous people paid to add ice to the already-freezing water.
Prizes were awarded to those who dressed in the most original costumes and those who brought in significant pledges.
A Jail and Bail event also took place, and employees Anne Baxter and Steve Craig raised more than $1,600 from the on-cmapus community to earn their freedom.
Chillin' for Charity originated at the U of L and is one of the more recognized student-run charity events to take place on campus. The concept has been successfully replicated at numerous universities across Western Canada.
The United Way supports a network of community programs and services delivered by many registered charities, by providing both financial and non-financial support.
They strive to form positive relationships with charitable organizations, private and government funded, business, corporations and the health sector just to name a few.
Additional images from this event can be found at this website.