Twice per week I drive through a quiet neighborhood in New Brighton, MN on my way to drop off or pick up my daughter Freya from daycare. About a block away, there lives 'Diggs' the Snow Lobster! He's awesome! The 19 -foot tall snow sculpture was built by a group of 3 brothers known as the 'Bartz Brothers' and a couple of friends whom every year build giant ice creatures.
They sculpt these frozen animals to raise money for a clean water initiative via One Day's Wages, a Seattle based humanitarian organization. One Day's Wages not only provides safe drinking water and sanitation to homes in underdeveloped areas in countries such as Ethiopia and India, they also work on other important issues including fighting global hunger and human trafficking, and preventing disease for the world's most at risk people. Last year $26,000 was raised.
Thousands of passersby stop and park their cars and take photos of themselves and their children. Here are Freya and myself because we can't resist a good photo op.
On my drive, I appreciate the nice break in scenery from the monotony of mid-century ramblers to an extraordinary winter spectacle. I also appreciate the dedication of the sculpture and its medium (water) to promoting awareness about the water crisis that many people around the world face.
Check out One Day’s Wages website if you feel so inclined: www.one days wages.org
Check out the Bartz Boys' facebook page to see more of their work and/or to donate: www.facebook.com/BartzSnowSculptures/