Hundreds take to icy waters for a good cause

By Sophie Baldwin

Jun 18, 2024

Many braved the icy waters and chilly air to dive in for a good cause. Photo: Oliver Shedden. Photo by Oliver Shedden

It might have been a sunny but still chilly six-degree morning on Sunday, June 16, but that didn’t stop hundreds of people making their way to Tindarra Resort to participate in and support Echuca Moama’s motor neurone disease (MND) fundraiser.

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Organised by Echuca local Max Ogilvie, the event has been declared a resounding success with around 300 people turning up to watch a few special guests head down the slippery slide and hit the cold water, along with around 50 other brave souls.

While plunging was optional, many people stepped outside of their comfort zone and stayed submerged in the pool for up to 10 minutes in support of those suffering from the debilitating condition that that affects the brain and nerves.

Sliders included Sophie Baldwin, Brett Sands, Jim Cosgriff, Skye Engwerda, Jye Warren -the Average Athlete, and of course Max, appropriately dressed as Aquaman.

Max said he couldn’t thank Tindarra and event manager Pip Metcalfe enough.

Organiser Max Ogilvie addressed the hundreds who came to support the cause and thanked everyone who helped make the event possible. Photo: Oliver Shedden. Photo by Oliver Shedden

“Pip went above and beyond getting this event up and running for us and she did so much, I don’t think I will ever be able to thank her,” he said.

“The day flowed really well and there were more than enough things happening to keep people busy.

“We are stoked with the outcome – we raised around $5000.”

Max said they are already making plans for the next year’s event.

Skye Engwerda was the first special guest to brave the icy waters. Photo: Oliver Shedden. Photo by Oliver Shedden

“We have written down a few notes and there are a couple of things we will improve on, including a better sound system and maybe shortening the event from three hours to two hours, but we will definitely hold it again in mid-June,” he said.

“The width of the slide was also a bit of an issue so we are hoping we can find a wider one.”

Max said he is also hoping someone might come on board and donate some ice to make the plunge even colder.

“We think the water temperature was around 11 degrees and it would be better if it was a bit colder and even more uncomfortable, although there is a fine line and we don’t want it to be freezing,” he said.

Max said he was astounded by the support shown by the community which resulted in nine raffle packages consisting of 18 prizes in total.

Jye Warren gave a thumbs up before he slid into the water. Photo: Oliver Shedden. Photo by Oliver Shedden

“I also want to give a huge shout to Echuca Discoveries who were a big help on the day, they are always happy to jump on board and it is great to see their smiling faces,” he said.

“And of course thank you to everyone who turned up and supported the event, bought raffle tickets, beanies and socks. Please bring your friends next year so we can raise even more money for such a worthy cause.”