Making a splash for charity
Rangiora’s Winter Festival attracted the masses into the town centre on Saturday for a spot of ice-skating, market shopping and more, including the hotlyanticipated Big Splash.
A record number of jumpers braved the cold to leap into the icy water in front of a huge crowd cheering them on.
Rangiora Promotions events manager Belinda Topp said 28 jumpers took part this year, which was huge compared with last year’s 15 participants. As a result, more than $6,000 was raised for the Rangiora Stroke Club, she said.
‘‘It made a huge difference having so many enter this year because they all go out and get their own sponsorship.‘‘
The Rangiora Lions Club and Rangiora High School Leos Club were an invaluable support for the event, she said, as they put a lot of work into setting up and coordinating the event on the day.
This year’s Big Splash, which was sponsored by Snap Fitness, Motivation Design and Compass FM, was the fifth year Rangiora Promotions had been involved, Topp said, and had exceeded all expectations, the fine weather no doubt helping on the day.
Elsewhere around town the ice-skating rink proved a hit with children of all ages, while ice sculptors created some incredible artworks including a life-sized penguin and dolphin.
For more photos check out p6.