Duane Hicks
With the Fort Frances Voyageur Lions Club’s annual “Polar Plunge” coming up exactly two weeks from today, more and more brave souls have stepped forward to take an icy dip for a good cause on Sand Bay on New Year’s Day.
“We are hearing good buzz about the event,” Lion Val Martindale said this morning.
She noted some of the “plungers” who have signed up over the past two weeks have included Chris Christian of the Borderland Snowmobile Club, Aquanaut Jillian Gustafson, who will be jumping for her sixth time, and Janet Rousseau, Lana Acorn, and Ron Cameron.
“Of particular interest is that two of Fort Frances’ clergy will take a leap of faith on New Year’s Day,” noted Martindale.
“Pastor Jakob Quast of the Church of the Lutheran Hour and Rev. Barbara Miller of Knox United Church have declared their intention to jump,” she said, adding Pastor Quast will be joined by family members, Liam and Julia, but there’s no word yet on whether any of Rev. Miller’s children are brave enough to dunk in the lake.
A solid number of groups also are signing up.
“The Muskie Sports Association will have approximately 15 jumpers, maybe more as the kids dare each other,” said Martindale.
“Also, a group of girls has decided to jump just for fun, it seems.”
Other groups registered so far include the Fort Frances Squash Club, Dancemakers, St. Mary’s Youth Group, Fort Frances High School Art Trip Fund (headed by sometime ice fisherman Owen Johnston), and La Place Rendez-Vous.
Also taking part will be “Polar Plunge” mainstays such as local MP John Rafferty (jumping for Special Olympics), Dale Gill, Bill Michl, Maureen Hahkala, Coun. Andrew Hallikas, and Martindale’s husband and fellow Lion, Jim.
“Jim has already surpassed last year’s pledges for himself so he is really thrilled,” she noted.
For those wanting to “take the plunge,” pledge sheets are available at Emes Financial-IPC Securities (279 Scott St.) and the Rendez-Vous.
The “Polar Plunge” has been sponsored by the Fort Frances Voyageur Lions Club for nine years. During that time, more than $60,000 has been returned to community youth groups and charities.
Each year, pledged “plungers” jump into a hole in the ice on Sand Bay on Jan. 1 starting at 1 p.m. Participating groups receive half of the net proceeds raised by member jumpers while those interested in jumping as individuals raise funds for the Voyageur Lions.
The club’s main focus is helping children and youth, but one specific project for which it currently is fundraising is vision-assisted equipment for the new Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre.
Last January’s “Polar Plunge” raised $14,000, with organizers hoping to up that total to $20,000 this time around.
Every participant receives a T-shirt. A number of prizes also will be up for grabs that day, including individual prizes, best costume prizes, and a $500 incentive for the group that raises the most money.
For more information, contact Emes Financial-IPC Securities at 274-2710.
