Dip a Day in June for Mental Health & Addiction Support
After losing my older brother to a drug overdose, I'm taking on a dip a day challenge to support the Mental Health Foundation of NZ.
Wanaka, Otago
On 13 May 2022 I lost my older brother Matt to a drug overdose. Matt suffered from addiction for as long as I can remember. Throughout his time in rehab programs and jail, he never got the compassionate support he truly needed. The issues of mental health and addiction have been stigmatized for far too long. It's time to open up and discuss mental health with others in a supportive and compassionate way.
My goal for the month of June is to do a dip/swim every day in Lake Wanaka. These dips will help me with my own mental health as I grieve the loss of my brother and deal with my own anxiety and depression. Besides supporting my mental health, I'd like this challenge to encourage others to do something each day that improves their mental wellbeing.
I've decided to do this as a fundraiser to support the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health & wellbeing. If even one individual benefits from the services of the Mental Health Foundation as a result of the funds raised from my challenge I will consider that a win.
I pledge to donate $5 for every day that I do a dip. If for any reason I miss a dip, my pledge for those days will be $10 (a little financial motivation for myself to not miss). While this on it's own isn't much, I hope that others will be willing to donate as well to encourage me in this challenge.
Latest update
That's a Wrap! 1 July 2022
Over 30 dips/swims, at least one every day in June. Over 30 people joined me in the water and 33 have already donated to this page. I'm in awe of the support from my friends, family, and work throughout this endeavour. Thank you all so much!!
We've raised $3,825 so far!! Massive thanks to the team at Mons Royale for the very generous $1,000 donation today (plus many individual donations throughout the month) as well as everyone’s moral support throughout the month.
I'll leave this page open for a few more days in case anyone is still planning to donate.
Thank you all again for your support! I'm sure the Mental Health Foundation will be able to do some good for several people with these funds.
*Photo is from the gorgeous sunset we had on 19 June, the weekend before the shortest day. Several non-swimmer friends joined me for a cold dip in Dublin Bay that afternoon.
Latest donations
Who's involved?
Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.