Usually a visit to an island in March involves a flight south and some rest and relaxation under balmy conditions. Not so for the 124 participants who made their way to Cedar Island, braving Erie’s three-degree Celsius water in this year’s Childcan Polar Bear Dip that took place on the morning of March 28.
Suzanne Fratschko Elliott, the Executive Director of Childcan, was thrilled to see the turnout for an event that had taken a recent hiatus from being held in Kingsville.
“Its’s so amazing to see how the local community has rallied to support our organization,” she said. “We are funded solely by these types of events and are so thankful for the generous individuals that took part.”
Childcan has been a presence for children and families dealing with childhood cancer since 1974, providing financial and emotional support, and funding research to combat paediatric cancer.
The fearless dippers gathered to form 13 teams who then took turns sprinting from the beach towards volunteer divers from The Dive Shop and South Shore Scuba Club standing in the frigid waters 75 feet offshore.
After the dip, participants made their way to the Kingsville Legion Branch 188 where they received a complimentary hot lunch from Legion members. Music from British Beat 66 followed the lunch, along with a moving address from Ashley Swartzentruber as to how Childcan has had a profound impact on the journey that her son Micah has taken as he recovers from a brain tumour that was discovered when he was just five years old.
Swartzentruber shared, “The call we got from Childcan was a turning point, it gave us hope. I could breathe a little easier because of Childcan’s help. Thank you for everything you do, we are truly blessed.”
Maddisyn Spencer was this year’s top individual fundraiser with $2,782.70, while the top fundraising team was Cammie’ Crew with $8,869.46. Corporate sponsors UE Enclosures, MC3 Manufacturing and Ironworker Local #700 generously provided further funds for the charity event and the day ended with an amazing $41,500 and counting being raised for the important services that Childcan provides for vulnerable families in need.
Chilly McGee and Polar Pete were on hand at the Childcan Polar Bear Dip to support the 13 teams that took part in the dip.
The Pink Plunge Pals carefully made their way back on to Cedar Island Beach after being the
second team to take the plunge.
The Swartzentruber family – Mighty Micah’s Crew – provided heartfelt perspective as to how Childcan has made a difference in their lives. Pictured is Ashley Swartzentruber speaking at the Kingsville Legion during the post-event lunch about her son Micah, in glasses, and his road to recovery after suffering from cancer at the age of five.
