Though temperatures were below freezing in the winter wonderland that has engulfed Simcoe County, 98 brave souls made a splash in chilly waters at the Polar Bear Dip on Saturday.
Held at Innisfil Beach Park (676 Innisfil Beach Rd.), the event was organized by volunteers of Innisfil Community Events (ICE). Registrants raised money for the Innisfil Food Bank, but the final figure will not be released until early next week.
"(The) event was a success (in) bringing the community together," said the president of ICE, Chris Reynolds Jr., who noted that some participants registered at the last minute.
First-time dippers, eighth graders, Taia Paradis, Kayleigh Geddes, Makenna Arsenault, and Monique Sacksen were among the winners of the costume contest, as they dressed as characters, Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger. The group raised about $2,000.
“They’re four friends that are really close,” said Natalie Paradis of her daughter, Taia, and her friends. “So, we’re here — the whole entourage — with them to support them.”
Local restaurants, Johnny Burger and A Taste of Europe, donated prizes for the winners of the costume contest, which included Taia and her friends, and people dressed like bears, a lifeguard and a man in a bathrobe.
No matter the sum, the money raised will help the Innisfil Food Bank.
“We are so grateful to Innisfil Community Events for hosting the Polar Bear Dip again this year,” said the coordinator of the Innisfil Food Bank, Donna Sawyer. “It not only brings the community together, it puts our food bank at the forefront of people’s minds, which is terrific - and the resulting donations mean so much to us. I’ve said it before, our community is awesome, and ICE being in our corner so consistently like this is pretty amazing!”
"With many returning participants, with a mix of first-time jumpers, I would like to thank all those who participated, donated, and cheered on from the crowd," Reynolds Jr. said.
Learn more about Innisfil Community Events by visiting its website.