An Edmonton father is preparing for a chilly challenge, all in the name of charity. Tyler Gamblin will spend five nights sleeping in a vibrant, multi-coloured ice cabin built in his front yard, aiming to raise $10,000 for a local children's charity.
A Family Project Inspired by a Child's Promise
Gamblin had not planned to repeat his 2023 igloo-building feat, but his son Rhett had other ideas. Rhett, who was five during the first build, promised to help more this time, turning the project into a true family endeavour. Along with his wife and their three children, now aged eight, six, and four, Gamblin embarked on the ambitious construction on December 8.
Instead of a traditional igloo, the family decided on a gingerbread-style cabin made from colourful ice blocks. The labour-intensive process involved filling 70 Tupperware containers with water and nine different food colourings to create the necessary 654 blocks, using roughly 2,000 litres of water in total.
The Colourful Creation and Its Chilly Purpose
The family worked through the holiday season, finishing their frosty masterpiece just before midnight on New Year's Eve at their west Edmonton home located at 14508 86 Avenue. While the monotony of freezing blocks tested everyone's patience, the project became a fun, bonding activity that kept the children engaged.
Initially, there was no charity component planned. However, as the cabin took shape, the Gamblins decided to use their creation for good once again. They set a fundraising goal for Free Play for Kids, a non-profit that offers inclusive, free sports programs to children. This echoes Gamblin's 2023 effort, where he raised an impressive $25,000 for Multiple Sclerosis research by sleeping in an igloo for five days.
Five Nights of 'Cold Camping' for a Cause
True to his previous commitment, Gamblin will brave the elements by sleeping in the colourful ice cabin for five days. He humorously refers to the experience as "cold camping," joking that it's like fall camping but with many more layers of clothing.
"I'm a light sleeper, and I don't sleep well at the best of times, but honestly, I get about the equal amount of sleep as I normally would. It may just be a little less restful," Gamblin remarked about his upcoming icy slumber.
The vibrant ice cabin now stands as a testament to family teamwork and community spirit, transforming a winter activity into a powerful fundraiser for Edmonton's youth.
