Dozens of people braved the cold and took the plunge Saturday during the 25th annual Polar Bear Dip at Innisfil Beach Park.
Prior to the event, Mayor Lynn Dollin invited community members to join in.
“We hope that many brave souls come out for ICE Corp.’s annual Polar Bear Dip at Innisfil Beach Park,” she said. “This is always a fantastic event with proceeds from this year’s dip donated to Gilda’s Club and food donations collected for the Innisfil Food Bank. There’s going to be live music, hot beverages to help you thaw out and activities for the whole family. It’s a fun way to embrace winter and come together as a community as part of our Winter Weekends activities.”
Residents took Dollin’s words to heart as 85 people volunteered for the Polar Bear Dip on a sunny but frosty afternoon.
More than $4,200 was raised for Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka. The Barrie non-profit’s services are provided free of charge by staff members, and its cancer support program is offered to anyone affected by any type of cancer diagnosis at any point in their cancer experience.
Deputy Mayor Kenneth Fowler was among the brave souls who signed up to take a dip.
“It is clinically proven that when a cancer patient has a proper mental outlook, their chances of survival rise significantly," Fowler said. "This is where family plays such an important role. Gilda’s Club supports the entire family as the one person battles cancer. To help give a family a lifetime, what is a few moments in the cold water?”
Lybbi Torrance, event co-ordinator with Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka, said events like the polar dip are critical for the organization.
“Gilda’s Club could not provide a free cancer support program without community support like this. In the midst of winter, the organizers, volunteers, sponsors (and) supporters are helping to provide true warmth and support to anyone impacted by cancer, and we are so grateful for being able to keep these donations in our community helping more families, friends and neighbours," Torrance said.
Sponsored by companies including Horodynsky Farms Inc., Investments Hardware Ltd., and 400 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, the Innisfil Community Events (ICE) Corporation invited special guests to the Polar Bear Dip, including a talented sculptor whose works of art were displayed at the entrance of Innisfil Beach Park, and a performance artist who impressed onlookers with a hula hoop show and juggling. Children were welcomed to meet Olaf and Mario provided by Dream Parties, and a sauna was on site to help dippers warm up.
“We were overwhelmed by the turnout. This is the largest number of jumpers in the history of the dip," said Chris Reynolds Jr., president of ICE Corporation.
Sunset Speedway raised the most money, and so many people donned outfits that, at the time of publication, the winner for the best costume was still being determined.
“Thanks to all participants who came out to enjoy the lovely winter weather and support such a great cause,” said Nadine Singh, director of marketing and public relations for ICE Corp. “We hope to build on this event each year, but, of course, it takes a lot of work. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please email us at [email protected].”
