THUNDER BAY – On Wednesday, PDR Contracting handed over the largest cheque ever for the Thunder Bay Polar Bear Plunge.
After more than doubling this year’s fundraising goal, PDR handed over a cheque for $166,000 to local charities.
"It just means so much for the community of Thunder Bay and those four local organizations,” said Maggie Ferrence from PDR Contracting.
“This event was the biggest we've had to date. The community support that showed up was astronomical and we couldn't be more proud of it. There were people there from morning to afternoon, cheering and clapping. It just shows that we can continue to grow this event and we hope for next year to grow it even more.”
This year’s top single fundraiser was Doug Boardman, from Lakehead Motors and iCar Block Heaters squad, who raised a total of $4,525. This year’s top team was Resolute Forest Products, which raised $11,390.
“We were excited. We didn't expect to be the most, but we had a great time,” said Peter Kibzey, general manager at Resolute.
“We had 15 people that came and everybody put in a big effort. And, I expect next year that we'll double the number of people we've got to partake in the Polar Bear Plunge for great organizations that are receiving the money.”
The local charities include CNIB Thunder Bay, Pro Kids, Special Olympics Thunder Bay, and Roots to Harvest. The Thunder Bay Polar Plunge started in 2010 as a way to raise money for the Special Olympics.
Erin Beagle, executive director of Roots Community Food Centre, said that it was amazing to see Thunder Bay go all out this year.
“We set a pretty conservative total, $75,000 initially, because we know also it's kind of hard times for people right now. People are feeling crunched and a little bit stretched and we don't want to put pressure on where people don't need it,” she said.
“But Thunder Bay always comes through on a goal. And what made the difference this year was the number of people that got involved. So, when you get over 400 people all looking out and getting their friends and families involved, then all of a sudden the total goes way up.”
The next Polar Bear Plunge is scheduled for April 5, 2025 and everyone is invited to participate.
