Lakefield Herald Special Report

The Polar Plunge count down is on!

by Sue Davidson

The 33rd annual BEL Rotary Polar Plunge is only two days away and Mother Nature seems to be cooperating with plunging temperatures.

The ice is a reported 10 inches thick and with the frigid weather is getting thicker daily.

This is the opportunity for veteran and novice plungers alike to join the fun and raise money for the charities of their choice.

Rotary District 7010 Governor John Gordon and his wife Donna are making the trip from Barrie to join BEL President Ruth Kuchinad in the jump to raise money for the final stages of polio eradication world-wide.

In D.G. John’s words, “Good cause but what was I thinking when I agreed to jump in the water!!!”

Local Rotarians Past District Governor Tom Bennett and Jim Jones are taking the plunge once again. PDG Tom says, “This is the second time jumping for Jim and me. We do it to support the great work of Rotary locally and internationally. We take a chilly dip to make a difference.”

Registration is easy. Forms are available at local merchants including Bowles Valumart, Guardian Drug Store, Chemong Lodge and Bell’s Garage all in Bridgenorth, Ricart Trophy in Peterborough and Two Fish Canvas Art at Stuff in Lakefield.

Registration is also available on the website www.belrotaryplunge.com, or if you are not planning to “take the plunge” visit the site to pledge your favourite jumper.

Plans are well underway and B.E.L. Rotary Club members are preparing to cut the hole and take care of last minute details. The club extends a huge thank you to all community partners and jumpers who make this such a successful event.

Be sure to mark Sunday, February 3 in your calendar. Polar plungers, registration begins at 12:00 noon, on the west side of the Bridgenorth Ennismore causeway; have a minimum $200. per plunger and a signed waiver.

All plungers under the age of 16 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. For those not ready to “take the plunge”, mark the date on your calendar and come out to cheer on those hardy souls who will be “Freezin for a Reason”.

The action begins at 2:00 p.m. sharp so you are encouraged to get to the site well in advance.

For more information go to www.belrotaryplunge.com or contact Tony Davidson, Plunge Chair, at 705-743-4244 or anthony.davidson@rbc.com.

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