Around the world, more than 2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water.
That statistic can feel overwhelming. But change does not always start with massive infrastructure projects or global campaigns. Sometimes, it starts with a community willing to do something bold and a little unconventional.
In Providence, Utah, that meant jumping into a dumpster filled with freezing water.
This past Saturday, February 7, community members gathered for our Second Annual Polar Dumpster Plunge. Cold plungers ranged from four-year-old Belle to 60-year-old Ken. Families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors showed up to take the plunge or cheer on loved ones. Their moment of cold will become access to clean water for hundreds of people.
The uncharacteristically warm February day in Northern Utah made the freezing water a bit more bearable. And the wood-burning mobile sauna built by The Local Stoke and Total Tree Care quickly became the biggest hit. We were inspired by everyone who showed up for people they may never meet.
Between jumps, we shared stories of where these funds go and why this work matters.
Since last year’s event, 25 water projects have been completed, with six currently in progress across Ghana, Uganda, and Kenya, each supplying clean water for a total of 41,764 people.
This year’s plunge will support a village in Ghana where families are still relying on unsafe water sources. Even a single $10 plunge impacts multiple people. We are grateful to everyone who made this day possible and to every person who chose discomfort for a cause bigger than themselves.
We hope to see you next year for the next dumpster plunge!