Brave the cold – so other people don’t have to this winter

Auckland City is encouraging the spirit of mid-winter madness by asking people to brave Mission Bay’s icy waters this July for charity.

The annual Winter Swim on Sunday 4 July is a fundraising event organised by Auckland City, in association with Rotary Auckland East, with proceeds going to the Auckland City Mission's Winter Appeal.

The event will take place at Selwyn Reserve, Mission Bay, on Sunday, 4 July from 10am to 12.30pm.

The Winter Swim promises fun and laughter for everyone while raising money for those in need. So don’t put your sense of humour on ice – show your support by entering the events in the most outrageous and colourful costume you can find (prize for the best fancy dress costume).

There are a number of ways you can give your support to the appeal: bring your kids along to the Bell Tea Beach Dig brave the icy waters for the Swim (no entry fee) get some mates into a team for the Wacky Kayak relay race, $20 registration fee bring along a can of food to donate or simply make a gold coin donation.

Auckland City Mission will be using the donations to assist with food parcels, which are distributed to families and individuals in crisis. They will also go towards their other services, which include community support for the elderly and a therapy programme for traumatised children. Diane Robertson, Auckland City Missioner, says the event is a godsend as fundraising is difficult at this time of the year. “It’s hard to imagine how families living in poverty cope at this time of year. For many of the people we work with, heating is going to bed fully clothed to keep warm. It’s wonderful that a community can come together to show they care and have fun at the same time”, says Ms Robertson.

The event commences with the Bell Tea Big Dig at 10am for those under 15 years old. Entrants will dig in the sand for coloured discs to win prizes like a family kayak, a children's bike or vouchers from Ferg's Kayaks, Kelly Tarltons, Berkeley Cinema Mission Bay and bars and cafes in the area.

The official winter swim will start at 10.15am. At the conclusion of the swim the Wacky Kayak team relay race will commence.

There are loads of free activities for the kids including free face painting, strolling characters, bouncy obstacle course for those under five and a horizontal bungy.

Radio station More FM will be on hand throughout the day to entertain the public with music and commentary.

Register for the Swim or the Wacky Kayak Race before the day by calling (09) 370 2020. Alternatively you can register at 9.30am on the day.

For more information check out www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/winterswim.

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