Despite the damp weather conditions, dozens of community members came out to Friday Harbour Saturday morning to 'Take the Plunge Challenge' in support of the Innisfil Food Bank and C4 Kids Year Round.
Volunteer group ICE (Innisfil Community Events) Corps, was happy to collaborate with the resort to put on this year's ice dipping event, which is typically held every February at Innisfil Beach Park. When Friday Harbour learned that the volunteer group had to cancel this year's event due to COVID restrictions, they reached out and offered to host the dip in March.
It was ICE Corps's most successful Polar Dip event yet, with $3,100 raised.
Participants pledged $25 each to jump into the ice-cold waters of Lake Simcoe, outside the Harbour Master building. Innisfil Fire & Rescue were on hand to cut the ice, and use the activity as part of a training exercise.
First to jump was Friday Harbour CEO Hanni Roustom who was nudged in by Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin.
"I've paid for the privilege of helping Hanni into the water today," laughed the mayor. "It's just nice to be together again."
"Community means a lot and we are very proud and happy that we are doing our first polar dip here for two great charities," said Roustom.
Other local dignitaries in attendance were Sarah Taylor on behalf of MP John Brassard, MPP Andrea Khanjin, Coun. Donna Orsatti, Coun. Kenneth Fowler and Coun. Rob Nicol. Ward 5 Coun. Fowler was the only one brave enough of the bunch to take the plunge. He came prepared in a full-body blue wetsuit, covered in #5 stickers.
"I wasn't going to miss this!" said an enthused Fowler, "Who doesn't want to jump into an ice-cold freezing lake?"
This was Fowler's first time taking part in the annual plunge.
"It's all for a good cause. Me freezing for a few moments keeps a family from freezing for a long time so I can do it.," he said.
Other jumpers included Dennis and Courtney Wright of Sunset Speedway and Josef Polcz.
Polcz is a veteran ice dipper and competitive swimmer from Barrie.
"I do them (dips) all the time," he said. "I heard about this and came out to support."
In the summer Polcz had a cancerous tumour removed from his gland.
"They cut me open...so I use the cold water therapy as part of my recovery," he said.
A live DJ was set up outside playing beats to keep the crowd and dippers motivated and moving throughout the morning. Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and snacks were provided for participants after their dip, as well as a soak in a steaming hot tub.
"We are always grateful for the support from the community," said Pastor Howard Courtney with the Innisfil Food Bank. The food bank services around 100 families per month, and operates out of the Innisfil Community Church on Innisfil Beach Road. "This proves the Town of Innisfil...that we are a really cool community to have a Polar Plunge."
"We were thrilled to be included, thank you to everyone who has donated," said Myrlene Boken of Christmas 4 Kids. "As you can imagine, the need right now is huge."
C4Kids is a year-round charity, collecting birthday and holiday gifts for children in the community who need a helping hand.
