As Canadians, the cold is something we brave each and every winter day and is an aspect of life many have grown accustomed to. But to willingly immerse oneself in frigid water in the midst of the coldest time of year takes extreme bravery and dedication to a good cause.
The 10th Huntsville Polar Bear Dip, a fundraising event to raise money for Community Living Huntsville, took place on February 19 at the Hidden Valley Resort beach in the waters of Peninsula Lake.
Event organizer, Markus Latzel, showed up early with Hidden Valley maintenance staff to carve a square in the ice for participants to jump into. Weather conditions were not entirely ideal: the snow was deep, the wind was harsh, and Latzel says the ice was thicker than usual, around two-and-a-half feet deep. Air temperature was around -14 degrees Celsius. Despite all this, the event went off without a hitch. It attracted 10 participants and approximately 40 spectators, a slightly smaller number than in previous years but still impressive considering the weather, Latzel noted.
The water may have been cold but spirits were warm and the atmosphere was positive. Dippers kept smiles on their faces and spectators encouraged them cheerfully from the sidelines.
This year also broke the record for the two longest dippers in Polar Bear Dip history—two brave individuals stayed in the water for two minutes.
“Those two ladies did not want to leave the water,” Latzel said with a laugh. “Normally everyone just jumps in and gets right out again. So that was definitely a noteworthy thing.”
The Huntsville Polar Bear Dip typically occurs on January 1 but was postponed this year due to thin ice and COVID-19 regulations. Latzel hopes they will be able to return to their New Year’s Day date for next year’s event.
So far, the event has garnered the attention of many generous people who have collectively raised close to $2,000 of the $3,000 goal for Community Living Huntsville, a not-for-profit charity that provides a number of programs to support people with developmental disabilities in North Muskoka.
“I think they’re doing great work in town,” Latzel said of Community Living. “They are having a local impact on the community, and this being a very local event, we thought it was a great charity to partner up with. Their engagement and enthusiasm for the fundraiser has really added to the event as well.”
Jennifer Jerrett, community engagement specialist at Community Living, helped promote this year’s event and was in attendance with coffee and tea donated by Starbucks. Latzel also extends his gratitude to Scott Doughty, the general manager of Hidden Valley Resort, who was unable to attend this year but helped with preparation for the event and hosts it every year.
The Huntsville Polar Bear Dip brings the community together for a worthwhile cause, boosts morale, and lifts spirits at a time of year when life can seem cold and bleak. Not only does it achieve this for locals, but it is also a great opportunity for visitors from other areas staying at Hidden Valley Resort to witness how strong Huntsville’s community spirit can be.
Donations will be accepted until the end of February. Latzel encourages the community to get involved and any participants this year to spread the word for next year. “If you have photos from the event and want to brag, do it now,” he joked, “and help a good cause.”
To donate to the fundraiser, visit canadahelps.org.
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Doesn’t appear that the Funds raised suffered shrinkage because of the cold !