THUNDER BAY – The return of spring weather didn’t warm Lake Superior much at all, but for the 400 or so who jumped into the frigid waters, it didn’t matter much.
Sure, there were a few choice words as they scrambled out of the water, the shock of the cold still settling into their bones, but knowing they did it for a good cause – four local charities, in fact – warmed their hearts enough to help them get over the chilliness.
The Thunder Bay Polar Bear Plunge, which started in 2010 as a way to raise money for Special Olympics, in 2024 has raised $155,687 and counting, more than double the $75,000 goal listed by organizers, with the money going to Special Olympics, CNIB, Roots Community Centre and PRO Kids.
It was cold, but worth it, said plunger Shelly Dusoleil, jumping with Team DEK.
“It was great. I loved it. It was absolutely incredible. When you first hit the water, your breath is stolen for just a second and then this whole flush of warm just comes over you on this beautiful sunny day,” she said.
“It was for multiple causes in our community, all the best ones too.”
Organizer Erin Beagle said she continues to be amazed at just how much support the annual event gets, from volunteers who make it happen to participants who raise the money.
“Today’s Polar Plunge is the biggest one we’ve ever had,” Beagle said.
“They have so far raised the biggest total we’ve seen too, which to our knowledge is the largest in the province.”
There’s just such an excitement around the event, Beagle added.
It’s a challenge to overcome for a lot of participants, she said.
“It’s extraordinary. Jumping into this cold lake from the ice is something that is a bucket-list thing to do. So I think the chance to do that is amazing. There are family groups here, there are school groups here, there are work groups here, there are union groups here,” Beagle said.
“It’s something to build together and come together to do something. I think just having the variety of charities too, helps, because we can support so many different assets in our community by doing this. And to be honest, having a day like today doesn’t hurt. It’s just something you want to be a part of.”
As of Saturday afternoon, Resolute Forest Products employees had raised the single-highest total of any one group, collecting $11,390.
Students from the developmental services worker program at Confederation College were second, with a total of $7,591.
Doug Boardman was the largest individual fundraiser, bringing in $4,485, as a member of the Lakehead Motors and iCar Block Heaters squad.
To donate, visit the Thunder Bay Polar Bear Plunge website.
