The Voyageur Lions Club will not be ringing in the new year with its annual Polar Plunge.
It usually involves several people taking a plunge in the icy waters of Rainy Lake, while raising money for their favourite charity.
The Club instead opted for a virtual event, allowing people to do their own thing separately.
Bill Michl, one of the organizers, says it was just too risky to hold the event as usual.
“It attracts a large crowd there standing on the docks, and we didn’t want to be responsible for having a hundred people or something and nobody wearing masks maybe because it’s outside and being in close contact. So we thought (this way) was better,” says Michl.
Participants will have two weeks to perform some kind of outdoor challenge.
“You know, do an ice bucket challenge, go jump in the lake, as long as you do it safely, or roll in the snow in their bathing suit. Do some kind of winter activity dressed for summer. Anything, just to show that you’re getting out there in the cold.”
You are also asked to record the activity and post it to the event’s Facebook page.
Michl says the fundraising component remains with half of the money raised going to the Lions and the rest to the participant’s charity of choice.
Registration forms, pledge sheets, and rules can be found on Facebook at Voyageur Lions Club Virtual Polar Plunge 2021.
