Kiwis gear up for Mid-Winter Dip

The excitement is building ahead of Friday's Mid-Winter Dip at Oriental Bay in support of Surf Life Saving's Winter Appeal- but the essential rescue charity still needs your support to hit the target.

On Monday the Wellington Phoenix issued a challenge to the New Zealand public, businesses and companies that if a fundraising target of $10,000 is reached in support of the appeal before 8am on Friday morning, the footballers will hit the water at Oriental Bay for a mid-Winter Dip.

Kiwis can help ensure the goal is reached in time by texting DIP to 4483 to automatically donate $3 or by visiting www.surflifesaving.org.nz to make a donation online.

Phoenix General Manager David Dome will join the participating players which includes Captain Andrew Durante.

A whole host of other supporters have also put up their hand to take part in the exciting event.

Her Worship the Mayor of Wellington Celia Wade-Brown has offered her support and will be putting on her wetsuit and joining in on Friday's fun.

Surf Life Saving partner BP has also jumped on board offering to match $1 for $1 up to $5,000 to help reach the target before Friday.

BP Managing Director Matt Elliott, Retail General Manager Frank van Hattum, who doubles as the chairman of NZ Football, and External Affairs Manager Jonty Mills will all be taking the mid-winter plunge. 

Run the Red's Chief Technology Officer Doug Dixon has also joined the line-up.

A live television cross with TVNZ Breakfast will take place on site at 8.10am and Classic Hits Wellington breakfast host Camille Guzzwell will be broadcasting live on site  between 8am and 8.30am. She will also hit the chilly waters.

Spectators are invited to come down and cheer on the participants and show their support for Surf Life Saving's Winter Appeal.

The 'Give Us a Hand Campaign,' which began on June 17 and finishes up on Sunday, aims to raise much needed funds and awareness of the essential rescue charity at a time when the beach isn't at the forefront of people's minds.

Last season around 4000 lifeguards spent over 200,000 hours patrolling 80 beaches, saving over 1,600 lives. While most Kiwis were out enjoying their summer, volunteer lifeguards gave theirs up to help keep the community safe in the water.

So come on- give us a hand and dip in your pocket so we're ready to keep you safe when you dip in the water next summer.

To support the Winter Appeal and ensure the Wellington Phoenix players hit the water on Friday text DIP to 4483 to automatically donate $3 or visit www.surflifesaving.org.nz/supportus to make a donation online.