More and more people are taking the Live Well Challenge.
Fishermen and women are jumping into cold ocean water and donating money.
It’s extended well beyond our area as hundreds have filmed their jumps and posted them to Facebook.
Pledges are nearing half a million dollars, and dozens of organizations and charities are benefiting.
Cape Sable Island fisherman Todd Newell came up with the idea earlier this month to help the families of the victims of the house fire in Pubnico.
He says it’s gone beyond his wildest dreams.
Newell encourages people to keep taking the plunge and donate whatever they can to charity.
He says the spirit of the challenge will continue.
“If you want to go to the restaurant, and you see an older couple there, pay for their meal. If you want to go visit a relative you haven’t seen in a while, or just smile to brighten somebody’s day. That’s what it’s all about. There’s no reason we can’t do this all the time. Sometimes, that’s more important than money.”
Newell says he’s heard the story has been sent to the Ellen Degeneres Show.
Newell encourages anyone participating in the challenge to upload their videos to the ‘Live Well Challenge – Take The Plunge’ Facebook page.
He says that way they can keep track of what’s been donated.
