The Charity Winter Plunge is an annual House of Sadaqa fundraiser where supporters jump into freezing ocean water and raise money from friends and family for local families in crisis. It started in 2024 with around forty people at Maroubra Beach, and has run every winter since.
Why cold water
Because it is uncomfortable, brief, and voluntary, which is a useful contrast to hardship that is none of those things. As Bilal Laidlaw put it after the first event: “We had people jumping into freezing water just to raise awareness for those struggling to stay afloat in life.”
There is a practical reason too. A plunge is memorable, easy to film, and easy to ask people to sponsor. It gives supporters a concrete reason to reach out to their networks rather than a generic appeal.
How it works
- Register for the plunge on our campaign page.
- Get your own fundraising page, which you can personalise.
- Share it with friends, family and colleagues. Most people underestimate how willing their network is to sponsor something this specific.
- Turn up and jump. Bring a towel and something warm for afterwards.
You can take part individually or as a team. Teams tend to raise more and complain less.
Where the money goes
Funds raised support local families through the Family Support Program, helping with whitegoods, furniture, household essentials and emergency relief for households facing hardship, family breakdown or homelessness.
Donations over $2 are tax-deductible, since House of Sadaqa is a DGR-endorsed charity.
Is it actually safe?
The plunge is short and supervised, at a supervised swimming location. Cold water immersion does carry genuine risks for people with heart conditions, respiratory conditions or certain other health issues, so speak with your doctor first if any of that applies to you. Nobody is required to stay in the water, and getting straight out is completely normal.
Not keen on the cold? You can sponsor someone who is, or start your own fundraiser instead. See our guide to starting a fundraiser.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Charity Winter Plunge start?
The first plunge was held in mid-2024 at Maroubra Beach with around forty participants. It has run annually each winter since.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. The plunge is brief and takes place at a supervised location. You are not required to stay in the water.
How much do I need to raise?
There is no strict requirement, though participants are encouraged to set a personal target. Teams often set a shared goal.
Is it safe to do a cold water plunge?
For most healthy adults, a brief supervised plunge is manageable. Cold water immersion does carry risks for people with heart or respiratory conditions, so check with your doctor first if that applies to you.
Can I take part as a team?
Yes. Teams are welcome and generally raise more than individuals.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. House of Sadaqa is a DGR-endorsed charity, so donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
Support the work behind this article
House of Sadaqa is a registered Australian charity helping local families in crisis with household essentials, whitegoods and emergency relief. There are three direct ways to be part of it:
- Donate, with donations over $2 tax-deductible
- Volunteer your time in the warehouse, on outreach runs, or at events
- Clear a NSW fine through a Work and Development Order
You can also support us without donating a cent, simply by choosing one of our social enterprises. Each one puts its profits back into supporting families:
- Goodwill Connect, NBN internet for Greater Sydney
- Panda Paper, premium bamboo toilet paper delivered to your door
- The Goodwill Laundry, self-serve laundry in Bankstown
- The Goodwill Shop, our op-shops in Revesby and Bankstown