Staff
FORT FRANCES—With the crowd cheering them on, dozens of brave souls rang in the New Year by taking a dunk in Rainy Lake for the Voyageur Lions Club’s annual “Polar Plunge.”
“We were down in numbers and were down in money, but were not down in spirit,” said club member Val Martindale, adding there was “lots of enthusiasm and lots of new jumpers” this year.
More than 40 people took the leap into Sand Bay behind La Place Rendez-Vous on Friday afternoon as onlookers lined up along the dock to show their support.
In total, $13,585 was raised for various community clubs and programs.
“We really thank those people that came out because it was really cold out there today. This is the coldest day we’ve had,” noted Martindale.
The top individual fundraiser this year was club member and event founder Jim Martindale who, decked out in his trademark red long johns, jumped in after raising $1,810.
The top group fundraiser was the Muskie Sports Association, which garnered $1,175 in total for its cause.
Dressed as a scarecrow, Maureen Hahkala once again captured the prize for best costume.
Second place was awarded to Australian David Filleul, who was decked out as a crocodile hunter—complete with crocodile.
Dressed head to toe as Batman, Marina Jewell came in third place for best costume.
(Fort Frances Daily Bulletin)
