On a chilly November morning, over 70 brave community members stripped down to their bathing suits and splashed into Georgian Bay.
Dubbed “Brainfreeze,” the annual fundraising event invited community members across the country to plunge into freezing cold waters in support of youth mental health. All proceeds are donated to Jack.org, a Canadian charity that trains and empowers young leaders to revolutionize the stigma surrounding mental health.
This is the first year Collingwood participated in the event, and it made quite an impression.
As a community, Collingwood set a goal to raise $5,000 for Jack.org. By the day of the dip, participants had quadrupled the initial target, raising well over $24,000 — one of the largest city contributions Canada-wide, second only to Toronto.
Additionally, the Georgian Bay Surf Club was the top fundraising team nationwide, raising a grand total of $7,761.
“It’s thanks to the love and support from all of you, and for showing up this morning, that we are able to make such an amazing contribution to Jack.org and the programs they run,” Cole Martin, cohost of the Collingwood event, said to the crowd of eager swimmers on Saturday morning.
Shortly after 10 a.m. in five cities across the country, brave participants stripped down to their bathing suits, and in one big community effort, ran headfirst into the freezing cold waters. The Collingwood event took place at Sunset Point Park, and shrieks and screams and chattering smiles could be heard across the beach as participants ran in and out of the water as fast as they possibly could.
“Georgian Bay might be the coldest waters of them all,” said Martin. “But we know Collingwood is filled with a bunch of adrenaline junkies.”
The plunge was followed by a social event at Side Launch Brewing Company, where participants warmed up with hot beverages and cold beer as they reminisced about their icy experience that morning.
For many, there are deeper connections. A lot of people who jumped in the water are friends of those who have lost the battle, of those who are still struggling, or are struggling themselves.
Keegan Woodman and Jenny Anderson were surprised by the influx of generous donations they received from friends and family prior to the plunge. The two donned fuzzy ear-flopping hats, ski goggles and life jackets, and despite not being able to feel their feet, were all smiles after their swim.
“I jumped in the water today for all of the people I personally know who lost the battle to suicide, and for those who are still silently suffering,” said Anderson.
“The mind is a tricky thing. There is nothing worse than feeling isolated, and events like this, taking place in communities across the country, are helping to change that,” said Martin.
Across the country, more than 500 people participated in the plunge, raising over $140,000.
To learn more about Jack.org and the programs they offer, visit their website.
