Winter weather may be here, but don’t pack away your swimsuit just yet.
The second annual Collingwood New Year’s Day Polar Plunge leaps into Georgian Bay on Jan. 1 from Sunset Point, with organizers Corinne Bassett and Hong Zhao planning to again donate the proceeds from the event to area non-profit Save Georgian Bay.
“I’ve done it a few times in Toronto, always for a charity. Save Georgian Bay is worthwhile since we’re plunging into the bay. It’s our vibrant body of water and we want to keep it that way,” said Bassett.
“I thought it would be fun to get people out on New Year’s Day,” she said.
While there isn’t a registration fee, Bassett and Zhao sell raffle tickets on-site at the plunge and the funds from that are donated to Save Georgian Bay. Emergency personnel will be on-site in case anything goes awry.
Last year, Bassett said the event had about 30 dippers and brought in a couple hundred dollars, but she’s hopeful that this year they’ll be able to crack $1,000.
“The more people who come out, buy tickets, or even just make a donation, is great,” she said.
Registration starts at Sunset Point on New Year’s Day at 10 a.m. The raffle draw is at 10:20 a.m., and the plunge takes place promptly at 10:30 a.m. Even if you don’t want to take the plunge yourself, spectators are also welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Bassett at [email protected].
