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The 8th Annual Polar Plunge attracted hundreds of people to the lakefront on February 7 to watch 61 brave people take the plunge. Participants dressed in colourful costumes and some in bathing suits took the auxiliary’s theme, “We're Freezin’ For A Reason”, to heart as they leaped, stepped and slid into the cold, dark water of Lake Scugog. This popular annual event, organized by the Port Perry Hospital's auxiliary, raises much needed funds for the local health centre and this year they were able to raise more than $20,000 due to the generosity of the participants and community. Following their chilly dip, contestants were treated to a dip in the hot tubs and a warm-up in the tent. aes One of the participants of the annual Polar Plunge took a leaping swan dive into the cold, murky Lake Scugog water. After the chilling dip into Lake Scugog, partipants pore quick to jump into one of two hot tubs set up to warm them ut Even a dog got into the spirit of the Polar Plunge, leaping after a rubber fish thrown into the water by his owner. With no time to change her mind, this competion prepares sh Photos by J. Peter Hvidsten to make a big, cold splash into Lake Scugog. FOCUS - MARCH 2015 25