Chillin’ 4 Charity to take place online Oct. 17-25

The University of Lethbridge Dhillon Business Students’

Association is challenging students, local businesses, community members and media representatives to join this year’s Chillin’ 4 Charity event, which will take place online from Oct. 17-25.

The event supports the United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta and normally features a polar plunge on the U of L campus.

While the event is moving online in 2020, the purpose remains the same — to raise funds in support of United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta, and local programs for people and families.

The event normally takes place in person on the U of L campus and features a polar plunge into an ice-filled swimming pool set up at the bus loop. This year, instead of jumping into the pool, participants are encouraged to come up with another chilly challenge that they can film themselves doing at home and tag the DBSA and United Way on social media.

Event organizers Emily Giesbrecht, Callum Hakin and Sarah Fehr say that moving the event online presents new challenges, but also new opportunities.

“With everything being online and from home this has given us the opportunity to potentially reach a larger audience,” says Giesbrecht in a news release. “We would love to see more participation from the greater community and moving online gives people the flexibility to participate in their own way.”

Giesbrecht and fellow organizers say they are eager to see a variety of chillin’ challenges and encourage people to get creative.

“People can chill at home by jumping in a bathtub of ice water, throwing a slushie in their own face, eating frozen treats to get a brainfreeze, or even something involving snow if we get any in October.”

The goal is to raise $6,000 in support of United Way’s Community Fund — a source of financial support for local organizations whose programs help people and families. The DBSA needs help from the community to reach it.

“Now more than ever is the time we need to come together to show our support for the local community and United Way, and help to raise funds if we can,” says Giesbrecht. “Due to the impacts of COVID19, many organizations haven’t been able to raise as many funds, which are needed in order to help run important programs.”

Connolly Tate-Mitchell, United Way’s marketing and communications co-ordinator, says she admires the DBSA’s dedication and creativity.

“This team works hard every year to make Chillin’ 4 Charity a fun and successful event,” she says. “They’ve recognized that COVID-19 has left many organizations in difficult positions with increased demands for service, and they’ve gone above and beyond to keep it safe and fun, and also make sure United Way has the resources to support local programs beyond COVID-19.”

The event is open to all members of the public. The main event will take place online from Oct. 17-25, but participants can sign up and donate anytime in October. Participants and teams can set a fundraising goal and share personal fundraising pages encouraging friends, family and colleagues to donate and join the event.

Participants can choose a fun, chilly challenge, film themselves doing it, and share it with the DBSA on social media by using #ChillinChallenge.

Teams are encouraged to challenge other groups, companies or clubs, on or offcampus. Learn more at www.lethbridgeunitedway.ca /chill.

There is no cost to sign up as an individual or a team, but DBSA needs help to reach the $6,000 goal. Participants are encouraged to share personal fundraising pages on social media so that friends and family can pledge their support.