Ann-Maree Reid

I can't wait to finally get to go to Antarctica with Chimu Adventures for my trip of a lifetime!!

It feels like so long ago that I started planning for this trip. In fact it has been over 4 years and two cruise cancellations since the planning started. Who would have thought that in March 2020, our world would change forever. Back then, I was getting excited about booking flights to head over to South America when the world changed forever. 

The last 2.5 years has been tough on everyone, not only physically, but more importantly mentally and emotionally. All of us had never been through anything like this before. One minute life was normal, the next minute we were told to stay home and isolate. I remember thinking, when am I going to get the chance to see family and friends again and even something as simple as giving another human being a hug. It was scary stuff. I was lucky enough to still have a job to go too, unlike a lot of people, including those in the travel industry, but mentally and emotionally I still really struggled. Who knew how long this was going to go on for. 

The last 2.5 years has been tough on everyone!! 

One of the things that has helped me get through the last 2.5 years and 2 cancellations is that I knew I would eventually get to the beautiful white continent of Antarctica and it is not that far away now!! 

So when Chimu contacted me to see if I wanted to be involved in some fundraising to help give back, I jumped at the opportunity. So I excited to announce that along with Chimu Adventures, I am teaming up with Lifeline to raise funds and awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being.

Lifeline is a national Australian charity dedicated to helping those experiencing emotional distress. The travel industry, along with many others, have gone through unprecedented setbacks and changes throughout the pandemic. For those doing it tough, Lifeline has always been a support, 24/7, to listen, help, and provide guidance.

That’s why we are so thrilled to celebrate life by partnering with Lifeline for the ultimate Polar Plunge—I want to jump into the icy waters of the Antarctic in support of Lifeline. The frigid temps of the Antarctic aren’t just invigorating though and one of those things people like to tick off their bucket lists. The cold water has also been shown to help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. So making the Polar Plunge a perfect tie-in with Lifeline.

So I have signed up as a Lifeline supporter and asking my friends and family to sponsor me to take the polar plunge, with all funds will go to helping Lifeline continue its fundamental work of saving lives, providing hope, and raising awareness of mental health.

Every bit helps and there’s no better feeling than raising funds for a charity that’s given back so much to Australians in recent years—other than the shock of the polar plunge, perhaps!

As an added incentive, our voyage’s special guests Andrew Denton, has agreed to take the plunge also—if everyone on board collectively raises $10,000 or more. The guest who raises the highest amount of money will also be invited as an esteemed guest at the Captain’s Table for a dinner onboard.