Forget dinners and shopping sprees – the only way to TRULY celebrate Christmas is to take out the swimsuits that have been in hiding since September and take a chilly dive. No, we’re not kidding.
Every year, we organise the Thomas Smith Christmas Charity Swim – an event which sees hundreds of locals and foreigners heading to the pier below Independence Garden in Sliema for a quick swim. If you’re asking yourself why you should swim in December, there are at least 7 reasons why this should be in your calendar.
It Is An Unusual Way To Help Charity
No other season tugs at our heartstrings to help out those in need than the festive period. This year will mark Thomas Smith’s 21st Charity Swim edition. All funds collected by the swimmers are donated to the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, which supports hundreds of causes throughout the year.
IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS
No well-thought gift will make your closest friends gape in awe and admiration than seeing you strip down to your swimsuit and courageously make your way to the pier. Really and truly, you’ll get everyone’s reverence for such a heroic gesture.
THE EVENT ATTRACTS HUNDREDS
If you’re scared of stripping down alone, there will be hundreds who will come packed with warm towels and their enthusiasm bubbling to mark the end of the year with a memorable swim. Plenty of swimmers will be participating again this year, eagerly swapping the comfort of their PJs with the one-of-a kind enthusiasm in Sliema on the 29th of December. Seniors, children, youths – you’ll see a mixture of age groups on the day.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAN TIP YOUR DONATION
We kindly ask all participants to make a heartfelt donation of a minimum of €10 before they head to the swim, but we love to see our collection box fill with notes. No need to fork out a high donation sum by yourself. During the Christmas lunch, go round the family table and ask for top ups. The more you collect, the better. By doing so you can assist the Malta Community Chest Fund help those in need. ALL funds collected are forwarded to the Foundation, plus a generous top-up from Thomas Smith Group.
YOUR DOG IS WELCOME TO JOIN
Furry friends make the best adventure companions and we’ve seen quite a lot in recent years braving the cold and splashing their way to the beach. They’ll get a medal for their swim too! It’s the best excuse for an outing.
FREE GOODIES AFTER THE CHILL
Nothing tames down the cold like a hearty sandwich and a shot of whiskey or coffee. Thankfully supplied by one of our well-wishing suppliers, getting something tasty down your system is the best ending to the swim.
GET A MEDAL TO SHOW OFF
Swimming to reach an inflatable billboard a few hundred metres away from the shore is not an Olympic sport yet, but given the unusual nature of the swim, we believe each swimmer deserves a medal to mark his/her victory and heroic gesture. Show it off during the holidays to relatives or snap a shot for the latest Facebook or Insta post. Consider it a like from us.
All the information about the Thomas Smith Christmas Christmas Charity can be found on our website. Go on and share this with your friends and family – we can’t wait to see you there!