On Friday, February 20th, over 40 brave people took part in the 6th annual Polar Bear Plunge in support of Inn From the Cold – a Calgary-based company devoted to helping homeless families within the city.
The Plunge takes place every year in our amazing Community of the Year – Mahogany and in previous years has involved cutting a large hold in the ice on the lake and having our jumpers take the leap there. This year however, Mother Nature sent us warmer temperatures in the weeks leading up to the event and we were unable to acquire the necessary ice-depth to do the jump on the lake. In lieu of this, we brought with us to Mahogany, a frozen dunk tank, which we filled with ice and cold water to emulate the lake’s icy feel.
This last minute change, due to the mild weather, was taken in stride by all participants and they embraced this change with a record breaking year fundraising-wise for this event. We are thrilled to announce that the Polar Bear Plunge raised over $55,000 this year alone, bringing our 6-year total to over $220,000 in support of Inn From the Cold.
While we appreciate everyone’s fundraising efforts and every bit contributed to the success of this year’s event, we must mention a few all-stars by name. Cory Hirsekorn of Morrison Homes raised an amazing $8,290 for Inn From the Cold and Hopewell’s own Jason Kraatz raised $25,075 which is absolutely outstanding.
The Plunge was extremely successful this year and we look forward to continuing this event in the years to come. We believe strongly in supporting our communities and the Calgary community-at-large, and this is one venture which will continue and will enhance our commitment to community outreach every year.