Polar Bear Plunge 2013

Mark Montagano | Feb 21, 2013

There was a Devil, an Angel, a Ballerina, Pirates, Panthers . . . and the weather was definitely Polar as spectators, EMS personnel and 40 Plungers braved the elements in the third annual Frontenac Heritage Festival Polar Bear Plunge. Over $8,500 was raised for three worthy organizations in the community: the Child Centre, Sharbot Lake HS/MS School Council and the Alzheimer's Society. Over the course of the last three years over $20,000 has been raised! Councilor Tom Dewey presented trophies to Mark Montagano for the most funds raised ($1,310) - narrowly edging out Art Holloway ($1,117) who did a terrific job of raising funds in the community and even had an Angel on his side. The youngest Plunger was Kayla Blenkhorn, 12 years old, closely followed in age by Amber Asselstine, who is still the youngest ever to plunge. The oldest Plunger was Karen Burke and the best costume was won by Perry Chafe (Habs Fan). While the best performance was definitely Jen Farnum and her ballet routine with a pirouette into the lake. HRH also made an appearance and wished the Plungers well.

Once again the Plungers were led in by Amber Asselstine and Niki Greenstreet, who was the first Plunger to sign up three years ago. We even had the five members of Sherman Downey and the Silver Lining join us after their performance at the Sharbot Lake Hotel the night before - the hat was passed to sponsor them. Thanks guys, we're looking forward to seeing you next year.

Thanks to Richard, Gill and Dawn of the Sharbot Lake Marina for staging the event. There is a lot of work to get the site ready and it's very much appreciated. Hats off to Bill Young, the firefighters and the EMS team, who were there to keep us safe - you could see the ice hanging off them. A welcome addition was a school bus provided by Cox Bus Lines to keep Plungers warm. The trophies were once again provided by the folks at St. Lawrence College. Last but not least, thanks to our intrepid Plungers and their enthusiastic supporters. Hats off to you all! When it's 20 below zero and the north wind is blowing it takes a lot of character to answer the bell.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented. Nice job, Johanna Jansen. The new Plungers received commemorative T-shirts courtesy of Bowes and Cocks Real Estate.

Feedback from both the spectators and Plungers is that they are keen to do this again. It's a great feeling to overcome your fear, step out of your comfort zone and, at the same time, do something good for the community - exhilarating and a lot of fun. So if you are considering taking the Plunge next year, don't forget we only go this way once and Life is not a Rehearsal. Have no Regrets. Just do it.