By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter)

U of L students help raise funds for United Way through Chillin’ 4 Charity

Oct 11, 2017 | 12:42 PM

LETHBRIDGE – On a chilly October day in Lethbridge, one of the last sights you’d expect to see is a bunch of people jumping into a pool.

But that’s exactly what was happening at the University of Lethbridge Wednesday morning (Oct. 11) outside of the Students’ Union Building with the Chillin’ 4 Charity fundraiser.

Faculty of Management students from the Management Students’ Society assembled a handful of individuals who either took the plunge into a pool of icy water, or dipped their feet into smaller buckets full of water off to the side all in support of the United Way of Lethbridge and South Western Alberta.

A number of faculty members, about 34 students, and politicians including Lethbridge East MLA Maria Fitzpatrick, were on hand to give their support to this worthy cause.

Since the event was initiated back in 2005, student groups have helped to raise more than $110,000 for the local United Way chapter.

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VP of Events for MSS, Sarah Von Gradulewski, says this is the second year that they’ve been tasked with setting up the event.

“This is an annual event, and since we’ve taken over it’s been a lot of fun and a big success. I know we’ve raised at least $10,000 for the last two years,” Von Gradulewski said.

Once the money gets to the United Way, they dole it to different groups in need.

“The money raised from Chillin’ 4 Charity usually goes to a few different groups, including the Boys and Girls Club. That’s because United Way aims for the money to be used more so for youth programs than anything bigger,” Von Gradulewski said, adding because it comes from university students it’s nice to give it to the younger generation.

Von Gradulewski says they currently have a fundraising goal of $10,000 again this year.

“Right now we’re sitting at $3,000, and while the event runs until 3 p.m. today there are other ways for people to donate,” she continued. “People can donate online at www.lethbridgeunitedway.ca/chill where they can donate to a specific person, a specific club or just to the event in general.”

When asked if the event has been growing year over year, Von Gradulewski said absolutely.

“Last year, I think, was our biggest year to date, and I’m hoping that we can best that this year.”