At least a dozen local residents are expected to take an icy dip for a good cause New Year’s Day as part of the inaugural “Polar Plunge” being staged by the Fort Frances Lions Club.
“We’re quite pleased with how it’s going,” said organizer Jim Martindale, who also serves as past president of the local club. “It’s the first, hopefully to become annual, event, and we hoped to get between 10-20 people.
“So it looks like everything is lined up.”
Participant John Dutton, a Fort High music teacher and Aquanaut parent, admitted he “definitely has some reluctance” to jump into frigid Rainy Lake but is doing it as all proceeds will go to the Fort Frances Aquanauts and Lions Club youth activities.
“But there will be a costume so that should provide for a little protection,” he chuckled.
While Dutton noted pledges are “a bit slow,” he still has a few days to see “if [he’ll] survive.”
Martindale, who took part in a similar event supporting the Kinsmen in Terrace, B.C. last January, gave his take on taking the plunge.
“It’s not as bad as everybody thinks. It’s a bit of a shock to the system but it’s not so bad,” he remarked.
The “plunge” will take place this Monday at 1 p.m. in front of La Place Rendez-Vous. Everyone is encouraged to come out and cheer on the participants.
Pledge forms are still available at the various sponsors–the Rendez-Vous, Canadian Tire, and Howarth’s Home Centre–so it’s not too late to join the other “plungers.”
Participants must have a minimum of $20 in pledges (those taking part are asked to be at the Rendez-Vous by noon to turn in their forms).
Sponsors are helping to make the first plunge a success by subsidizing prizes. Baseball caps will be given out to those who have minimum pledges.
For additional pledge totals, long-sleeve crested T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleece vests, and jackets will be awarded.
Participants with pledge totals over $1,000 will receive a special prize. Prizes also will be given out for best costumes, either as a group or individually.
A hot tub will be available for participants to keep themselves warm, and a sound system, donated by Sight & Sound, will be set up to keep spectators up to speed on the action.
Snacks and refreshments also will be available.