Nude swimmers defy COVID and cold to support Lifeline
The annual Winter Solstice Nude Charity Swim will be swum this year on 21 June as planned, but founder Ian Lindeman was worried it wouldn’t – and that was before COVID-19, an event he didn’t live to see.
Chairperson of the now-named Ian Lindeman Memorial Nude Charity Swim, Ben Johnston, spoke to Ian a week before his death in November last year and assured him it would most definitely still go ahead.
“Tragically, Ian Lindeman, the founder of the swim, passed away late last year, so we really wanted to continue his excellent work despite the tough coronavirus conditions,”
Ben Johnston, Chairperson of the Ian Lindeman Memorial Nude Charity Swim
“Tragically, Ian Lindeman, the founder of the swim, passed away late last year, so we really wanted to continue his excellent work despite the tough coronavirus conditions,” Mr Johnston said.
More than 170 people took part in the swim last year and expectations were that the numbers would double this year. That won’t happen.
The coronavirus pandemic means that only two swimmers can take part this year, but they will represent a community that uses the event to wash away negativity and feel a sense of renewal for the new solar year by getting nude and swimming in the freezing waters.
In launching the swim, Mr Johnston and Lifeline CEO Carrie Leeson told Region Media that with the blessing of Ian’s wife Gwenda, this year’s event will still allow people to connect with the event by donating to Lifeline Canberra’s Crisis Support Service.
“Due to coronavirus, demand for mental health assistance has increased substantially and we want to do everything we can to support them to help those in need.”
Ben Johnston, Chairperson of the Ian Lindeman Memorial Nude Charity Swim
Mr Johnston said there has never been a more important time to raise awareness and funds for mental health.
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Source: Riotact!
Original publication 31 May, 2020
Posted on NatCorn 16th June 2020
Australia, Canberra, charity, mental health, nude, swim
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