A New Year's resolution by one Grand Manan resident has exploded far beyond his original intent into a community wide fundraising initiative, as he has now raised over $44,000 for the local food bank.
      Kyle Mawer began the year thinking that the discipline of "doing something hard every day" would be beneficial, so he chose a daily cold plunge: 100 days in a row, all outdoors, in all weather. Living in Australia for three years, the Saint John native joined a cold water swim club and subsequently made occasional winter dips in Canada. Now his goal to make it a daily practice involved jumping off lobster boats at the end of a long day's work, in the dark, on days when the air temperature hit -140C, or wading into the creek behind his house in Seal Cove -- even colder than the salt water. He posted his daily dips on Facebook and Instagram.
      About 14 days in, he decided to turn the challenge into a fundraiser for the island food bank, which he knew was "super important locally." "It could've been a public relations disaster" for food bank directors, Mawer laughs, "some random guy in a Speedo," but they agreed.
      He started a campaign on GoFundMe with a goal of $5,000, which he thought would be "at least a good effort" and food bank co director Michelle Kropiniski thought "was pretty brave." It can be hard to follow through with resolutions, Mawer says, but having a fundraiser made it easier. Some may have thought he wouldn't make it, he acknowledges, but "it's just discipline; there's no talent. It's 100% mental." The cold water shock decreases as one gets used to it. "People are going through a lot worse than that in their lives," he says. "It's just discomfort."
      The campaign reached $5,000 on day 35. He upped his goal to $10,000 and was soon joined by friends, children and his cat Stripey, who calmly floated in the creek in a "pirate ship" plastic tub. Mawer and a fellow fisherman jumped in one day in full gear -- boots, oilclothes and all. Water temperatures have ranged from 0.50C in the creek, to just under 50C in the harbour. Mawer adds that seawater seems almost warm on those minus 14 days. He says it brings a whole body energy surge that lasts for hours and is a great way to de stress and forget one's worries.
      Mawer swam at St. George, Lake Utopia, St. Stephen and Killarney Lake near Fredericton. In Maine, he did two dips at Pocomoonshine Lake and one off the Eastport wharf, where he was unable to recruit any fishermen to take video, although they watched, a little skeptical about this crazy stranger.
      A group of high school students raised $1,000 with their British Columbia exchange counterparts. Internet and media attention grew. The GoFundMe blew past $10,000, then $20,000.
      On April 4, Mawer partnered with Benson Lobster, inviting the community to jump off the Seal Cove wharf with him on a "Tarzan swing" rigged on Benson's barge. The Bensons pledged $100 for each jumper. Caleb Benson says, "Action Ministries is a great organization; they help so many people with not just food but travel [expenses]." Action Ministries volunteers helped organize; others brought food, coffee and audio equipment. Mawer was "shocked" at the turnout: a crowd of perhaps 200 people, with 113 jumpers ages 4 to 74. "It's almost a blur," he says, but "everybody knew they were there to raise money. It's one of the most exciting days the island has had in April," and "one of the coolest days of my life." Benson Lobster donated $11,500.
      Mayor Bonnie Morse calls it "an incredible effort. I think he's really captured everybody's attention. Any time you can convince 113 people to jump off a wharf in April, you have the spirit of the community behind you."
      Mawer's plunges culminated on day 100, April 10, when a small but enthusiastic crowd -- including his mother -- joined him on Seal Cove beach for a final dip. Volunteers provided hot food and cake. As of April 20, the total raised between GoFundMe and direct donations was $44,096. Kropiniski describes the effort as "astronomical and far beyond expectations. His creativity encouraged the community to take the plunge into caring for one another." She points out that the food bank's services are not always visible, but Mawer raised awareness. It's been encouraging for volunteers and clients and has brought in more donations at a time of year when they are typically lower. Food bank demand grew 25% last year, and Mawer's campaign raised half of Action Ministries' share of annual costs.
      MLA Ian Lee came for day 100 and gave Mawer a certificate of appreciation. He says, "It's great to see the community spirit."
      "I may have started it, but it took the whole community to make it what it was," Mawer says. "I couldn't ask for a better result!" He points out that many donors may be people whose own wages or pensions don't keep pace with expenses and taxes and he appreciates their sacrifices.
      Mawer's nickname "Drifter" comes from his adventures. This winter he turned down an opportunity for ice road trucking in order to finish the 100 days, knowing that "when I look back in old age I can say I did something meaningful." He'll continue his cold plunges, just not so publicly.
      Donations may still be made to Action Ministries at action.ministries@outlook.com.