Would you dive into bone-chilling waters if it meant a kid could afford to go to summer camp?
That’s how over 100 people decided to ring in the new decade this afternoon (Jan. 1) as Ness Lake Bible Camp (23705 Camp Rd.) once again hosted Prince George’s annual Polar Bear Dip.
.@nesslake_status Polar Bear Dip has brought more than 100 people to take the plunge into 2020 🥶 ‘Weird’ weather this year has made the water a little bit warmer than usual, but still bone-chilling for dippers | #CityOfPG @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/Y9wbPOKaJl
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) January 1, 2020
Not only were residents rewarded for the dare with hot chocolate and cinnamon buns afterwards, but were also given the satisfaction of surpassing far beyond 2019’s record-setting $11,000 in funds raised.
The final number was tallied to $20,000 as per a Ness Lake Bible Camp Facebook post and spokesperson Dave Horton is confident the collection will help a lot of kids this summer.
“We really do think that everybody should get to experience [camp] at least once,” said Horton when addressing the crowd before the event started.
“The independence that kids get, the chances to do new things, the opportunities to be outside, to meet new friends, to be in the community of children; it’s phenomenal and it is yours, Prince George. This is your camp and you own it; what has been raised is blowing our minds.”
In fact, according to Polar Bear Dip Coordinator Dayna Penson, the top four fundraisers alone propelled the 2020 campaign over that $11,000 mark.
The top team brought in $6,200, more than half of 2019’s final count.
The second highest funds raised by a team was $3,870.
Some Polar Bear Dip participants also chose to wear costumes or special clothing while diving into Ness Lake.
This included a Spider-Man, a Mountie, a kilt, a rock-star mullet and even long underwear.
If this encourages you to participate and raise money for the 2021 Polar Bear Dip, you now have 365 days to do so.
This Prince George couple just got back from a Hawaiian vacation 🌺 Different climates, but regardless, they are 2 among 100 who decided take the Polar Bear plunge at @nesslake_status today (Jan. 1) | #CityOfPG @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/eElSisMMag
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) January 2, 2020
