Students jump into cold water for fun and charity

A brave team of 53 costumed students from the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business did the “Chillin’ 4 Charity” polar bear swim on Nov. 7 to raise funds for the United Way of Winnipeg.

The team is competing in an undergraduate business student competition called Jeux de Commerce (JDC) West. Each year, competing teams from business schools across Western Canada host their own “Chillin’ 4 Charity” event.

JDC West is an opportunity for students to showcase their talents in a variety of competitive areas, including academics, sports and spirit. The event consists of 10 academic case competitions, a parliamentary-style debate, a highly competitive sports component, a team spirit competition, and a charity element.

Team co-captain, Andre Cadieux, says, “Our team is extremely excited and enthusiastic about volunteering both time and effort to enhance our local community.”

Following the leap into an outdoor pool of icy water, stunned and shrieking members of Team Toba leapt into a heated tent courtesy of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, the JDC West Team Sponsor. RBC donated $5,000 to the cause and Virgin Radio’s Ace Burpee emcees the event, jumping into the water at the end of the event to raise a further $250.

Even Radio DJ Ace Burpee took the plunge for a $250 donation to the United Way.