While most people would never consider going for an outdoor swim in winter, about two dozen intrepid people recently took the plunge into the cold waters of Lake Ontario in Whitby.
Participants included a group swimmers dressed as flamingos clad in pink tutus, two chickens, and many more, all of whom were led down to the water’s edge by a hockey player. People of all ages came out to take part. They ran into the water off the beach at Heydenshore Pavilion, most of them coming out just quickly as they went in.
The event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Whitby and, according to its organizer, this third annual Polar Bear Plunge was a big success. It was held to raise awareness about the club and what it does to help the community, and also to raise money for a local charity. This year, it was the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Oshawa Whitby.
While the amount raised wasn’t disclosed, the club hoped to raise as much as possible.
Polar bear swims are a tradition in many Canadian towns and cities, and when they combine a splash in the cold water with fundraising, the end result can be a fun time that can help out local causes. In order to make the event as successful as possible, a printing company can be called upon to create promotional materials and other items to get the word out to anyone who may wish to take part.
