Three friends decided to really take the plunge this February.
Repeatedly.
Abby Hoffman, Conor Sinnamon, and Andrew McNamara are doing "Freeeezebruary," a self-imposed challenge to dive into the icy ocean waters around Vancouver every day this February.
And they're doing it to support a local not-for-profit via a GoFundMe campaign.
"We wanted to raise money for a local charity," McNamara tells V.I.A.
The charity benefiting from the challenge is the Dugout drop-in centre in the Downtown Eastside. The trio picked the Dugout since it's a smaller, local charity where the money they donate can have more of an impact.
"It felt like somewhere that we could actually make a difference, even if we don't raise as much money," says Hoffman.
The term "Freeeezebruary'" was something McNamara came up with and convinced the others to go along with. The fact February this year in Vancouver had a long stretch of freezing weather with local beaches covered in snow was just a coincidence.
Daily dives
Initially, the group expected they'd be alone on the shore and in the chilly water, but they've been pleasantly surprised by the cold weather beachgoers, and the daily dives have helped grow their sense of community.
"We thought that we were going to be the only ones at the beach, and then we'll show up," says Hoffman. "And there's just groups of people here."
She adds that others have joined them on their dives (though no one has come back a second time).
The group is holding a small event on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Dundarve Beach in North Vancouver with friends and for anyone else who wants to take a plunge alongside them.
Fundraising
The trio set a goal of $5,000 for the fundraiser but weren't sure they'd get close to it.
As of the writing of this article, they have hit $5,399, surpassing their goal with more than a week left. Donations have come from all over, including Hoffman's grandfather's Lions Club and Sinnamon's family's bar in Ireland (Pluck's in Kilmacanogue).
"We set $5,000 as a 'way out there' goal," says Hoffman. "We did not think we would get close to that. So it's, it's really heartwarming."
Those who wish to support the trio, and the Dugout, can do so on the Freeeezebruary GoFundMe page.
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