A New Year's Day tradition is quickly growing, as the Huron Polar Plunge more than tripled its number of attendees in its second year.
Organizers say the event was a huge success, as over 110 people dipped into Lake Huron on January 1 to support local causes, after around 30 people took part in the inaugural year.
The plunge raises money for the Huron and Area Search and Rescue (HASAR) and the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth, and the donations also greatly increased for 2024.
"For fundraising, last year we raised $9,000 and this year, we're closing in on $25,000," says Patrick Armstrong, HASAR Commander. "We had a lot of support this year, Goderich, there was the mayor, deputy mayor and one of the town councillors, they jumped in. And we had a number of teams this year that we didn't have last year so that really helped bolster the fundraising."
This year also included a change of venue, as the plunge moved from the beach to the public boat launch.
"The beach is always risky, we found that last year with the formation of an ice shelf, which of course, people shouldn't go on," said Armstrong. "We went with the municipal boat ramp in front of Compass Minerals and it was great. We had controlled access, so everybody was safe that went in."
There's still an opportunity for those interested in donating to the cause to do so. You can find the link to the fundraising page at the HASAR website.
