Words by Smiley Team
Twenty-eight swimmers across the north of the UK taking a daily dip to fundraise for homeless charity Crisis, caught the attention of documentary making company Sequence 13. Focusing on one particularly inspiring wild swimmer, Gilly McArthur, the company produced a film, Body of Water, which is available online this month.
To boost support for people sleeping rough, 30 per cent of the profits Sequence 13 get from the streaming of the documentary will go to the January Daily Dip’s Crisis fundraiser. The rest of the proceeds will be divided between documentaries screened as part of a wild swimming package and the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival which is showing the film.
Gilly McArthur said: “Getting into cold water is a choice and a privilege for me but for many people getting cold is a not a choice. It’s wonderful to be supporting Crisis at this time, as they help people who are at the really sharp end of poverty. Homelessness right now is so bad, and the work Crisis does is absolutely crucial.”
Drawn by McArthur’s goodwill, Scott Salt, co-director of Body of Water, said: “It is impossible not to be inspired by Gilly McArthur. Her kindness and overall approach to life are amazing. So when we found out we had the opportunity to support her and the other Daily Dippers in their incredible feat of swimming every day in January, it was a no-brainer.
Sequence 13 is a new filmmaking venture founded by Salt and Benjamin Paul, designed to promote positive change for people and the environment. Social responsibility to vulnerable people, such as the homeless people supported by Crisis, is integral to their films. Wherever possible, they try to make films that protect our planet and the people on it.
To help support homeless people while enjoying an inspiring documentary, you can stream Body of Water as part of a Wild Swim package including two other films for £7.19.
You can also support homeless people through the winter months by donating directly to the January Daily Dip’s Crisis fundraiser.
Crisis conducts research, campaigns and works with landlords to help homeless people find rented accommodation. They then educate these newly-housed people to help them rent successfully.
Those wishing to help ensure people are kept off the streets as the weather turns colder can visit their donations page. By giving a little you could help provide essential support, food and a place to stay for those sleeping rough.
Some volunteering is still permitted despite lockdown. For further information visit their website.
