Participants braved frigid temperatures to plunge into the icy waters of the Trent River in Campbellford this past weekend in support of Campbellford Memorial Hospital.
Held at Campbellford Lions Community Park at noon on Saturday (January 31), the 34th annual Polar Plunge raised a total of $40,000 — exceeding its fundraising goal by $15,000.
Organized by the auxiliary to the Campbellford Memorial Hospital, the event was postponed from the previous weekend due to extreme cold temperatures. While temperatures were slightly warmer on Saturday, participants still faced a wind chill of -19°C.
“We cannot thank our community enough,” said auxiliary representatives.
“From the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, to the plungers who boldly took the leap, to the pledgers and spectators who showed their unwavering support, this event truly demonstrates what we can accomplish together for our hospital.”
The auxiliary singled out Bruce and Elizabeth Thompson for their generosity, who not only matched pledges up to $10,000, but issued a challenge to participants to take a second plunge into the Trent River for an additional $1,000 donation per plunge.
Dorset Mitchell, the Trent Hills Thunder Hockey Club, Trent Hills Fire Chief Shawn Jamieson, and Fleming College paramedic students accepted the challenge, bringing the Thompsons’ total donation to $14,000.
The auxiliary also thanked Earl McLean, the Trent Hills Fire Department, the Trent Hills roads crew, and the Campbellford Lions Club for their support of the event.
All proceeds raised during the 34th Annual Polar Plunge will be directed toward supporting patient care at Campbellford Memorial Hospital.
