A record number of participants to a bone-chilling dip in the icy waters of Trent River in Campbellford on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
Over 80 participants took part in the 33rd annual Polar Plunge Supporting Campbellford Memorial Hospital by taking a plunge in the Trent River at Lions Club Park.
Executive Director Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation, John Russell said it was the best year ever with the amount of participants and funds raised for the hospital.
Russell said the conditions were great for the Polar Plunge with snow on the ground and a bit of ice along the shorelines. Temperatures “warmed up” to just a few degrees below zero for the participants.
“I can’t think of better conditions for the plunge – you need to have a bit of a chill to make it fun and interesting.”
Trent Hills firefighters wearing cold water immersion suits had to break the ice close to shore so the participants could enter the water.
People who participated were literally from around the world with Rotary Exchange Students and even two women from Ohio.
Some people liked the plunge so much including paramedic students for Sir Sandford Fleming College , they did it twice. While others seem to enjoy the water so much, when the took the plunge and came out of the water, there were pieces of ice on them.
This event is organized by the Auxiliary to the Campbellford Memorial Hospital.
Russell said the local support from community members was outstanding.
Bruce and Betsy Thompson matched pledges up to $10,000.
Sienna Senior’s foundation (Aspira Island Park) presented a cheque to the Auxiliary for $10,000 and RBC has also made a sizable donation.
“We’re just so thrilled with the community support. Everybody looks forward to it – it’s so much fun and it raises funds for needed equipment for the hospital.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
