83-Yr-Old Grandpa to Swim in Freezing Ocean to Raise Money for Kenyans

An 83-year-old grandparent from Fountainstown, Irelandm, is set to dunk into the freezing ocean to raise money for local communities in Kenya on Tuesday, December 3.

Though it is expected to be a frosty December in Ireland, Frank Fitzgibbon told Cork Beo, an Irish media outlet, that the forecast will not deter him from undertaking the risky challenge.

“I am an OV8: Over Bloody 80. So I am just happy to be able to do what I can while I can for the wonderful charity that Brighter Communities Worldwide is,” Fitzgibbon told Cork Beo.

He plans to spend one minute in the ocean for every five euros donated.

“Every single donation no matter what size really makes a difference. Sharing our appeal with your friends and family helps us spread the word about its work and continue to grow its community of supporters,” he added.

The daring undertaking is in collaboration with a charity organisation, Brighter Communities Worldwide which Fitzgibbon has worked with before.

“I volunteered with them on the Harambee programme some years ago and it made a lasting impression on me, and I have been involved ever since,” he told Cork Beo over his past trip to Kenya. 

Harambee is a Kenyan word that translates to ‘let’s pull together’ and also a Kenyan tradition of self-help events that often includes fundraising.

 “I saw firsthand the incredible work it does across economic, health, education and environmental projects. It is a truly fantastic small charity, and I was so taken by the partnership model it works through and the fact that the funding goes to those who need it most.”

This year’s campaign is set to focus on the impact of the climate crisis in Kenya, especially in local communities, and how it affects the livelihood of those in less privileged areas.

“It empowers people to develop life skills that will help to make lasting improvements for their lives. This year its campaign will focus on the impact of the climate crisis in Kenya. The communities it works with experience this daily. It affects their health, livelihoods, and their ability to provide food for their families,” he stated.

Previously, Brighter Communities Worldwide has collaborated with several other individuals to raise money for charity benefitting several communities in Kenya.

In March, the cofounders stated that the NGO had directly benefitted almost 2 million people in Kericho County, Kenya.