Staff
While the idea of jumping into Sand Bay through a hole in the ice may not be at the top of people’s “to do” lists right now, the Fort Frances Voyageur Lions Club wants residents to start thinking two months down the road—and more specifically about its “Polar Plunge” on Jan. 1.
The club is holding pre-registration for the annual fundraiser tomorrow (Oct. 31) from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and encouraging all individuals and non-profit groups to sign up.
“We want to kick it off, get it started,” club member and longtime organizer Jim Martindale said this morning.
“Last year it worked really well at Nirvana, but we thought we’d be able to meet even more people at the farmers’ market,” he reasoned.
Pledge forms and information packages will be available tomorrow. And there will be incentives for those who sign up at the early registration.
For example, non-profit organizations will get a chance to earn an additional $300 for their group.
Organizers are aiming to have 60 jumpers take the plunge on New Year’s Day—and hope to make this year’s the biggest one yet.
Martindale said the buzz about the event already is starting.
“Polar Plunge” mainstays such as local MP John Rafferty, Dale Gill, Bill Michl, Maureen Hahkala, and himself already have confirmed their participation, and he has been talking to local groups to get them on board once again.
“Plungers” from previous years also will be on hand at the farmers’ market tomorrow, as well as the club’s furry mascot, the Voyageur Lion.
And just for fun, there will be a “Plunge for Prizes” game.
For those who can’t make it to the farmers’ market tomorrow to sign up, call Martindale at 274-7829.
