Christchurch Police have one sleep to go before taking the ice cold plunge in support of Heart Kids Canterbury.
Five officers, dressed in full uniform, are participating in the Heart Stopper Challenge this Friday afternoon, where they will sit in an ice-cold pool for five minutes alongside 20 other teams.
The fundraising event supports the only charity dedicated to providing lifelong care to all affected by a childhood heart defect.
Constable Melissa Arnold says this event is her way of giving back to the charity which helped her family out so much.
“My 18 month old son was born with a congenital heart defect and Heart Kids were fantastic support for us.
“I hope our help at this event gives something back to Heart Kids so they can continue to support families like they did for us.”
Heart Kids provides care packs, meals, travel subsidies and trained family support workers to affected families both in Canterbury and at the National Paediatric Cardiac Ward at Starship Hospital.
“We want to keep attending this event every year. It’s so much fun for Police to be involved in the great community spirit,” says Constable Arnold.
Team Blue, made up of Christchurch Police staff, raised more than $1800 last year and won the award for team spirit.
Members of the public are invited to cheer the teams on from 3pm until 5pm this Friday 7 October 2016.
The event is held at The Commons, on the corner of Kilmore and Durham Streets, and there will be a sausage sizzle and hot drinks for all.
Donations to Team Blue’s fundraising can be made by visiting https://heartstoppercanty2016.everydayhero.com/nz/team-blue
ENDS
Police Media Centre
Media note:
Team Blue are expected to take the plunge at approximately 3:45pm. There will be photo opportunities and the event will go ahead, regardless of the weather.
Please direct all queries to josie.cochrane@police.govt.nz or call 04 238 5111.
