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Taking the plunge was never so cold Walking towards the Port Perry Polar Plunge last month, it took only minutes to realize how cold it was. Even without looking at a thermom- eter, which would have registered about -18 Celsius, it was evident this would be one of the coldest mornings for the annual dip in Lake Scugog. Volunteers, who had earlier that morning cut open a large hole in the Katie Lunny lets out a ‘cold’ scream. seven-inch thick ice, worked to keep the open water from freezing. Specta- tors gathered, bundled from the blood numbing cold with warm scarves, toques, heavy coats and thick gloves awkwardly holding hot drinks. Something to keep the blood flowing. It seemed unimaginable that a group of 56 plungers would strip down to t-shirts and bathing suits to make the valiant 100 yard dash from the warmth of the bus/changeroom and weave their way along a snow covered path lined by a large crowd of cheering spectators. Bad enough — but they completed the trek by leaping into the frigid body of cold water which lay sparkling in the morning sun. Group after group made their way to the lake to take the plunge, emerging from dunking with mouths agape - crying out in shock and laughter as their bodies shuddered from the sudden shock of the temperature change. But it was all for a good cause - nobody was injured, the crowd roared with approval and the Hospital Auxiliary profited to the sum of $15,400 thanks to the bravery of the plungers and generos- ity of their sponsors. Seven businesses and organizations fielded teams this year, . . bringing the total number of plungers to the highest number since it was started five years ago. Teams registered came from Shoppers a eS Drug Mart, which had 11 plungers and are f brought in $1,655. Other teams came from Cuddly Bunny, Port Perry Printing, Crabby Joes, CIBC, Scugog Firefighters and the Rotary Club. Individual participants were not to be left behind. The plungers with the top amounts in pledges were Debbie Hodgins who brought in an amazing $2,125., Judy Anderson with $1,503 and Tony Kaschahub from Progressive Electric with $1,440. Judy and Tony have plunged all five years and Debbie is on her second year. As well Thorsten Koseck, from the Board of Directors for Lakeridge Health contributed $1,130. It goes without saying, the Hospital Auxiliary is thankful to all the plungers for their creative spirit in choosing fabulous costumes, for their incredible bravery in the face of such cold and for their diligence in collecting the many pledges. Organizers also wished to thank the Unidentified penguin takes a flying’ leap. The Shopper’s Drug Mart team enters the lake, front left, Morgan Parker, Shellie Huckabone and Katie Lunny. Closely behind them are Bailey Taylor, Lucas Sewards NS and Linda Lowe. sponsors of the participants who pledged 20 FOCUS - FEBRUARY 2012 02. FEBRAURY 2012.indd 20 12-01-28 9:47 AM