Family Centre plans to make a big splash with a new fundraising campaign “Take De Plunge”.

The local charity hopes, albeit on a slightly smaller scale, to piggyback on the success of the international ice bucket challenge that raised $100 million for the little-known charity the ALS Association.

Through a social media video campaign, members of the community are invited to plunge into a body of water and then post the results online. Participants donate money when challenged to carry out the dare.

It is being launched in the lead-up to Family Centre’s Children Come First Telethon in November.

Director Martha Dismont said: “Ultimately we hope the Take De Plunge challenge will inspire people to literally go out on the limb and jump into the ocean, into swimming pools or even bathtubs as a symbolic gesture of their total commitment to Bermuda’s young people.

“We’re also hoping that those who take the plunge will challenge their friends, parents, neighbours, teachers, politicians — anyone and everyone to do the same and post their experience on Facebook and other popular social media sites.”

A team of judges will select the best videos and feature them on the centre’s Children Come First Telethon on November 18. It will be aired on ZBM-TV Channel 9 and feature the best of Bermuda’s talent along with special surprise guests.

Ms Dismont added: “The reason for the Telethon is to raise the much-needed funds to continue to provide essential services to Bermuda’s children and their families.”

Anyone wishing to be featured on Family Centre’s Facebook page can e-mail their videos to info@tfc.prevention.bm and post them on social media sites to help the charity go viral on behalf of the children.

“They’re well worth it,” said Ms Dismont.

Take de Plunge videos should be submitted with any of the following hash tags: #Takedeplunge #tfcteleton or #familycentrebda.

•For further information contact on 232-1116 or e-mail martha@tfc.prevention.bm

•Donations can be made via www.tfc.bm