KAWARTHA LAKES-The Fourth Annual Jump in the Lake Challenge raised over $25,000 for local foodbanks in Coboconk and Haliburton.
Unlike other organized Polar Bear Dips, participants jumped into the frigid early May waters from their own docks or local piers.
A few hundred generous donors helped 35 participants raise much-needed funds by braving the frigid waters on May 6th.
“This year’s Jump in the Lake Challenge will have a significant, positive impact on the Coboconk and Area Foodbank (CAFB) for the next whole year,” said CAFB chairperson Amy Alfredsson. “With more than $16,000 in cash donations collected and more still coming in, the JILC has provided the funds to pay for all of the food bank’s meat purchases over the next twelve months.”
Alfredsson, who jumped into Balsam Lake herself, added the foodbank would not exist without generous community support.
“As a privately funded fully volunteer-run food bank, these donations are both welcome and needed at a time when both food insecurity and food costs are at their highest.”
There is still time to donate at www.kawarthalakeside.com and click “Get Involved”
In four years the annual Jump in the Lake Challenge has raised over $150,000 for the local community.
“We continue to be amazed how our community has embraced what has now become a fun, annual event,” said JILC founder Dean Michel. “When you combine brave individuals and generous donors, good things happen to make a difference in people’s lives”
The Lamb’s Lane Legends team represented Rosedale and jumped with the staff of the Kawartha Voyager into Balsam Lakes freezing waters. They were the top fundraising team with a total of $3690 raised.
Save the date for the 5th Annual Jump in the Lake Challenge: Saturday May 4, 2024. It will be out of this world.
