Two thousand people dived simultaneously against poverty at Carcavelos’ beach, near Lisbon, Portugal. “Mergulha Contra a Pobreza” (Dive Against Poverty) teamed up the Portuguese Millennium Campaign – Objectivo 2015, the local municipality and youth organizations to put together a mobilization event that highlighted the midway point to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

It was 5 p.m. sharp on July 6^th when local girl scouts whistled to call all 2000 bathers for a refreshing dive against poverty. Young and old ran into the sea, soaking their special t-shirts. Even the local municipality vice-president couldn’t resist the call against poverty – nor the 30ºC (86ºF).

The Millennium Campaign team wished to stay in the fresh water for the rest of the day. Fat chance. They had to talk to the media and set the Campaign’s Voice Box up, part of the MUSA Festival, a local youth music event.

“Mergulha Contra a Pobreza” was part of a joint event, occurring simultaneously in Spain, Italy and Portugal to highlight the midway to the MDGs. It coincided with a joint declaration, by the Cooperation Secretaries of State from those three countries, reinforcing their commitment to the Goals.