THUNDER BAY — Thunder Bay's PDR Polar Bear Plunge is well on its way to reaching $1 million in total proceeds.
The 15-year-old fundraiser is now only $7,000 off from the big milestone, said organizers with PDR Contracting, despite having a couple of years on break during the pandemic.
These funds will go towards the Thunder Bay Special Olympics, CNIB, PRO Kids and Roots Community Food Centre.
Maggie Ferrence, the PDR Polar Bear Plunge chair, said the original polar plunge event started in 2010 with a fundraising goal of $10,000, but ended up raising $11,000.
She added that they are already well over their $75,000 goal this year.
As of Thursday, the fundraiser raised around $122,300.
“We are close to what we beat (as) the highest goal of last year, so we’re hoping to get this last week’s donations in to kind of beat that goal or get anywhere closer to what last year we reached,” said Ferrence.
Ferrence said they always keep the goal close to where it is because they know it is a sufficient amount of funds as the proceeds for the four charities in Thunder Bay.
“We know that times are tough in the world, so anything... counts. We don’t want to push people too much, but we appreciate everything that everyone’s been giving,” said Ferrence.
She said they also wanted to give the local Domtar staff a big shout-out.
“They, between their teams, have raised $32,000 alone so far for this Polar Bear Plunge and we’re really excited about them and excited to see them jump,” said Ferrence.
The plunge will kick off on Sunday, with the first half of the plunges from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and the second half between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Parking at the marina is free during the day.
Ferrence added that they are also cutting the hole the exact same as last year.
“We had a lot of feedback that people liked jumping in, kind of swimming out and then walking up the ramp,” said Ferrence.
Afterwards, she said they will have two hot tubs at the top, so when plungers get out, they can go right into the hot tub.
“The tents will be there again. People are going to be getting hot dogs for food. The 400 plungers to start will get those PDR Polar (Bear) Plunge custom toques. It’s going to be a great event,” said Ferrence.
With the weather forecast looking nice for Sunday, Ferrence added that they are also hoping to get a good turnout of people to watch the plunges.
If you’re new to the plunge and even if you don’t want to plunge, she said it is still something coming to support.
“Everyone’s in a good mood. Everyone’s cheering each other on. There’s a bunch of people clapping in different costumes and I think you can get here,” said Ferrence.
Ferrence added that they also always take last-minute donations or plungers for those wanting to come.
“You get the courage and you’re like, ‘I want to do this,' then you’re allowed to sign up and plunge,” said Ferrence.
Locals looking to sign up to plunge or donate can do so online. A livestream will also be available for supporters to watch the event online.
