THUNDER BAY – Pat Murphy’s been involved with the annual Polar Bear Plunge since its inception.
His company, PDR Contracting, has been a sponsor for the past three years.
But this year’s event will mark a first for the entrepreneur – and he wants as many others to share the fun as possible.
Murphy, who has been more of a behind-the-scenes kind of guy at past plunges, said he and his entire office will be jumping into a frigid hole in the Lake Superior Ice on March 28, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the fundraising event that collects money for Special Olympics, Roots to Harvest, CNIB, and this year, the Thunder Bay chapter of ALS Canada.
“I never have. I’ve always been too chicken,” Murphy said on Tuesday, helping to launch a $100,000 fundraising campaign.
“But this year I am going to take the plunge. If I’m going to expect my office to do it, they’re going to make sure I do it. Either that or they’re going to throw me in the water.”
It’s the fundraising goal, the largest yet, that convinced him to take part in this year’s jump. Murphy is also challenging all contractors and businesses in Thunder Bay to join in the ice-cold fun, noting it’s for a lot of great causes.
“Polar Bear Plunge has always been a successful event, but this year we’re trying to get more businesses involved,” he said. “We’ve committed that our office ... we’re all going to take part and we’re challenging all the other businesses out there to do the same.”
Thunder Bay Police Service officer Ryan Gibson, the co-chair of the 2020 Polar Bear Plunge, will also be jumping in the water to help the charities and said the event has always been a popular one.
“We’ve had great turnouts over the years. It’s a lot of fun and the community really gets behind this event. We know this year is going to be bigger and better than ever and we’re really confident we’re going to reach our goal of $100,000,” Gibson said.
That’s great news, said Special Olympian Joey Marostica.
“I say they’re nuts,” he said of the participants. “But I also say they’re doing it for a good cause, as well.”
The event takes place on March 28 at the Marina Park Boat Launch, with community and corporate teams jumping in at 2 p.m. and school teams at 2:20 p.m.
To register, visit www.thunderbaypolarbearplunge.ca.
