Crowds gathered at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Çalış on New Year’s Day to support and cheer on those who were brave enough (some might say foolhardy enough!) to take part in the ‘Big Splash’
What is the ‘Big Splash’?
The ‘Big Splash’ is an annual event organized by 3C’s (Çalış Children’s Charity) where entrants dress up and take a dip in the January sea to raise money for charity.
A cold winter in Fethiye
Fethiye is currently experiencing the coldest winter for many years with temperatures regularly below freezing.
This had an obvious effect on the number of ‘splashers’ this year but didn’t stop the three people who did take part, Gareth Patten, Keith Broderick and Ploy Blackburn, from donning their costumes and going for a dip.
And they’re off!
The ‘Big Splash’ from fethiyetimes on Vimeo.
The ‘splashers’ have to spend a full five minutes up to their necks in the water before the countdown begins to say they can come out.
Cheers and applause, towels, warm clothing and hot soup await those who dared to dip.
The prize for the best fancy dress went to all three ‘splashers’ – and very well deserved too!
Working together
3C’s teamed up with Animal Aid for the event and the ‘splashers’ represented both charities.
Money raised on the day
Gareth Pattern braved the water for the 3C’s and his sponsorship together with the sale of calendars, cakes and a donation, raised 1300TL.
Keith Broderick, Ploy Blackburn, a lady on holiday visiting family, splashed for Animal Aid. Sponsorship, donations and the sale of cakes raised 1328TL
The 3C’s would like to thank the Lighthouse for hosting the event, and the brave souls who ventured into the water for both charities.
