'Take The Plunge' at Friday Harbour Resort this weekend for a good cause.
The resort has partnered with ICE (Innisfil Community Events) Corps. volunteer group to put on the inaugural event this Saturday, with all proceeds going to the Innisfil Food Bank and Christmas 4 Kids (Year Round) charities.
Every February, ICE Corps. hosts their annual Polar Bear Dip fundraiser at Innisfil Beach Park. Due to COVID, the event has been cancelled for the past two years. The last event took place in February 2020, with nearly 400 people in attendance and raising over $2,500 for the food bank.
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.
"We are happy," said ICE Corps's Leslie Pollak of Friday Harbour's offer to host and collaborate. "It's a lot of work to have to do in less than three weeks."
The event will take place Saturday, March 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Harbour Master building in the middle of the resort. Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and snacks provided for participants, compliments of Friday Harbour Resort, as well as a live DJ, warming stations and swag.
Like every year, Innisfil Fire and Rescue will be in the water, joining in on the fun, and using the opportunity for some hands-on training.
Typically jumpers come dressed in colourful, fun costumes to make the event a little more exciting and bright.
"They (the jumpers) don't have to dress up, but we try to make it a little more fun and tell them to have the best costume and we'll vote on it (the best one) afterwards," said Pollak.
So far there are 20 participants registered for the event. There is a $25 registration fee to take part, with all proceeds going to the charities. Spectators can also donate non-perishable food items, clothing or other items to Innisfil Food Bank and Innisfil Christmas 4 Kids (All Year Long).
Those interested in taking part can sign up online here or at the event Saturday morning.
