THUNDER BAY — Winter may be officially over, but with two weeks to go before the annual Thunder Bay Polar Plunge, organizers are still looking for at least 100 more people to brave the chilly waters of Lake Superior.
Normally 300 people take part in the event, which raises money for Thunder Bay Special Olympics, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Roots Community Food Centre and PRO Kids, but not quite 200 had signed up as of this past Friday.
The more the merrier, said organizer Erin Beagle.
“I am a little bit worried about it,” Beagle said on Monday. “We are always searching to have about 300 people sign up and right now we’re just under 200 people. I know that Thunder Bay is this notorious last-minute community, but it takes a little while to get yourselves psyched up to jump into Lake Superior.
“We also need people to look the community for support to help us reach our fundraising goal, so it’s not something you can just sign up for the day before. It takes a little bit of planning.”
The event is in its 13th year, having spent two years on the sidelines in 2020 and 2021, the victim of COVID-19 restrictions and concerns.
Last year’s Polar Plunge raised $100,000, and the goal for 2023 is set at $75,000.
The impact on the community is huge, said Laura Daniele, coordinator of the Thunder Bay PRO Kids program.
“The funds raised from the Thunder Bay Polar Bear Plunge go directly towards enrolling kids into sports and recreation so that everyone gets a fair chance to participate. We can literally register hundreds of kids each year because of this event,” Daniele said in a release.
Dozens of community groups have pledged support, including members of the Lakehead Thunderwolves men’s and women’s basketball teams.
It’s that type of spirit committee chair Ryan Gibson is hoping to inspire over the next dozen or so days in the hunt for 100 more participants.
“Overall, this event is about community and about fun. We’re one of the largest Polar Bear plunge events in Ontario because Thunder Bay always steps up to join and support. We need that community support now,” Gibson said.
“I’ll be there taking the plunge and I hope more people will join me.”
The Thunder Bay Polar Bear Plunge takes place on April 1 from noon to 2 p.m.
