A cold dip for a hot‑button issue

Of all the ways to fight the AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, jumping into a freezing lake might not be the first method that comes to mind.

Yet that's exactly what nine students in Dal's International Development Studies (IDS) program did, braving the cold waters of Chocolate Lake on December 1 – a date which not only ensured frigid temperatures for bathing suit-clad bodies, but was also World AIDS Day.

The polar dip was a fundraiser event for the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Dare Campaign, which encourages Canadians to do something daring in the name of charity. The IDS program's Dalhousie Dares team, now entering its third year, hoped the dip would raise both funds and awareness, as well as function as a symbolic act of solidarity with those fighting against AIDS in Africa. They've already surpassed their original $3,500 goal.

“The reality is that AIDS has been an epidemic for far too long,” says student Alex McPhedran, who spearheaded the dip. “Despite the complexities of international donations, non-profit organizations, and global economics, there's still no reason why more changes haven't been made.”

Ms. McPhedran cites a recent $2 billion budget shortfall for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria as a reason why fundraising is such an important, and pressing, concern.

“As Canadians we have the ability to raise awareness and funds for AIDS in Africa,” she says. Symbolic acts of solidarity like the polar dip are important “because they represent that we are not bystanders. We can take actions to not only remember the realities that wreak havoc on the lives of so many around the world, but also to work towards a more promising future.”

Doubling down on dares

Robert Huish, who teaches an IDS course on activism, painted his face blue for charity as a dare last year, and Ms. McPhedran spent a week foregoing any form of transportation other than her own two feet in order to reflect the challenges faced by Africans who walk great distances to gain food and water or to seek medical treatment.

The polar dip was suggested by a classmate, and Ms. McPhedran agreed to the idea because “the team wanted to do something that would be both fun and challenging. A polar dip takes initiative, which is something I think most of our supporters are happy to sponsor, and doing something with classmates builds a comradeship that enlightens our abilities to work together and push for more changes.”

Ms. McPhedran felt “a lot of excitement and pride” as she ran into Chocolate Lake. “I was happy to be there with such amazing people, all of whom were embracing their ability to be a part of something bigger than themselves.” She says that Chocolate Lake “wasn't as cold as I thought it would be,” a sentiment echoed by classmate Robbie McLean.

“It was a lot easier going in than it was coming out,” says Mr. McLean, who donned a polar bear costume prior to the dip's commencement. Teammate Chloe Leonard offers a slightly different take: “By the time we were getting out I was so numb I couldn't feel anything.”

Making a difference

Stephen Lewis is a former politician and CBC broadcaster who later became United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. He established the Stephen Lewis Foundation in 2003 in Toronto and he currently chairs and co-directs an advocacy organization called AIDS-Free World based out of New York City.

“The Stephen Lewis Foundation has a grassroots, community-based approach and they support and appreciate all fundraising initiatives,” says Ms. McPhedran. “They have very well-defined and respectable development practices and are able to maneuver through channels of aid to deliver support to some amazing African organizations.”

The Dalhousie Dares team will be continuing its efforts into the new year. “We have a big IDS event planned for both faculty and students in January as part of the campaign, and we invite anyone and everyone to take part,” says Ms. McPhedran. She urges those interested in participating or contributing to contact her at alex.mcphedran@dal.ca or to sign up at www.darecampaign.ca.