This winter, courageous participants are set to dive into the freezing waters of St Kilda for the first-ever Christmas Cold Dip. Hosted by Jimmy O’Neill’s Whiskey & Ale House, the event aims to generate much needed funds for SACRED HEART MISSION, to support local St Kilda women and children experiencing homelessness during Melbourne’s coldest months.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, 25 July, beginning at 10am at St Kilda Beach, directly in front of the Sea Baths. This traditional Irish-style sea plunge offers a bracing challenge for those who love a cold water dip or who just want to support a great cause, after which swimmers are invited to the Acland Street home of Jimmy O’Neill’s to defrost with classic Irish winter warmer.
Wade Piva, Director of Engagement and Development, at Sacred Heart Mission said, “We think the team at Jimmy O’Neill’s are absolute legends for being willing to take a dip in the icy sea for Sacred Heart Mission. Every dollar they’ll raise will help provide nutritious meals, crisis support and housing for people who are going through hard times here in our community. Right now, we’re seeing more people facing homelessness than ever – so what they’re doing means a great deal. Thank you and stay warm!”
What is the Christmas Cold Dip?
The Christmas Cold Dip is a long-standing Irish tradition, where brave swimmers gather on Christmas Day in Ireland to take a dip in the icy sea, before celebrating Christmas at home with family and friends. Since our Aussie Christmas is a little too warm, swimmers will be asked to brave St Kilda Beach in our winter for the inaugural Jimmy O’Neill’s Christmas Cold Dip which is in line with the pub’s annual Christmas in July festivities.
Here’s how it works:
Register yourself OR your team with 50% of your registration fee going directly to Sacred Heart Mission – just $10 can feed one person!
Get fundraising and encourage friends and family to sponsor your icy dip
Brave the cold St Kilda waters on 25 July, then warm up at your home away from home, Jimmy O’Neill’s!
Zenita O’Neill, Jimmy O’Neill’s owner and St Kilda local said, “Melbourne is absolutely freezing right now and as a St. Kilda local it’s heart breaking to see the amount of women and children sleeping rough this winter. In Melbourne right now approximately 30,000 people experience homelessness on any given night, with the majority experiencing “hidden homelessness” sleeping in rooming houses, cars, or couch surfing where they can. Women over 55 represent a huge part of this number and kids under 12 make up one in seven. We wanted to do something meaningful for these people, that is also fun and honours some of the craic from home that Jimmy is renowned for! We hope lots of people get on board for this one.”
For bookings and further information visit https://jimmyoneills.raiselysite.com
