Dippers brave the cold for a cause

Over 300 people braved the cold Jan. 26 and dove into the freezing waters of Lake Erie.

The 13^th Annual Polar Bear Dip began with registration, lunch and a recognition ceremony at Lakeside Park in Kingsville. The Dippers then proceeded to Cedar Beach to take the plunge.

The event began as a joint fundraising idea between Childcan and the Youth and Family Resource Network to increase awareness of the charities. Childcan focuses on children with cancer. Executive director of the Resource Network, Jenna Foley, said the event was once the largest of its nature in Canada and is still the largest in Essex County.

“This event keeps getting bigger and better,” said Foley. “Last year we raised $98,000 and this year we’re looking to go well above $100,000.”

Some teams of Dippers also have their own reasons for participating. The Leamington Women’s Hockey League team have been doing the dip for several years, said team member Tricia Epplett. Their participation is to support the son of one of their members who has been cancer-free for 17 years.

“We do it for a great day of fun in the winter to break the winter up,” said Epplett. “We try to say (the water temperature) is not bad but when you run in it feels like razors. But it’s five minutes out of our lives and it’s a small price to pay.”

Dave McLarty was cleared by doctors two weeks prior to participate in the event. McLarty said he shaved a “G” into his chest to show support for a friend.

“I died (from the cold) last year on Family Day twice but I’m raising money today for the kids,” said McLarty. “I’m jumping in the water today for my oldest friend who has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer.”

Over the past 12 years over $650,000 has been raised in support of the two organizations. Participants can register to dip as an individual or as a team. To be a part of the 2014 Polar Bear Dip, contact Childcan or the Youth and Family Resource Network for more information and pledge sheets.