The icy waters of the Ottawa River proved no match for the determination of 50 participants who braved the chill on Saturday, December 7 to support the Deep River & District Health (DRDH) Foundation’s inaugural “Dip to Donate Polar Plunge.” The event united individuals and teams from across the region to raise funds for the $2.5 million “Closer to Home” campaign to furnish and equip the new 96-bed Four Seasons Lodge long-term care home currently under construction on the DRDH health campus. The plunge exceeded all expectations, raising over $36,000.

James Thompson, community engagement and fundraising coordinator at Deep River & District Health, expressed gratitude for the community’s enthusiastic response to the event. “The success of the Polar Plunge speaks to the incredible spirit of our community,” said Thompson. The water was recorded at 3 degrees Celsius and the air temperature a brisk -8 degrees Celsius with wind-chill at the time of the dip. Dippers were not encouraged when told that the water was warmer than the air!

Among the standout fundraisers for the individual contest was Jay Serdula, who brought in over $1,400 from friends and family and was rewarded with a stay at the Westin Trillium House at Blue Mountain Resort along with two ski passes. The team contest was won by The Tragically Frozen, consisting of Candace Bishop, Adrian Bishop, and Ed Aiston, who together raised more than $3,100. They received a gift basket from Pembroke Hyundai, Canadian Tire, and Cahoon’s Pharmasave.

A high point of the event came when Deep River & District Health President and CEO Janna Hotson and Deep River Mayor Suzanne D’Eon took the plunge together as the event finale, fulfilling their promise to dip if fundraising goals were met. Their participation drew cheers from the crowd and capped off an already spirited day.

The Foundation would like to acknowledge Rosehall Consulting, P&G Enterprises, MD Financial Management, Petawawa Toyota, Furniture King, Custom Draperies, Scotiabank Healthcare+, Northern Credit Union, Deep River Valu-mart, the town of Deep River fire department and public works, and many more sponsors, volunteers, and supporters.

Thanks to the success of this event, the campaign has reached 87 percent ($2.2 million) of its goal. With the campaign in its final stretch, community members are encouraged to contribute to the cause.

If you are interested in making a donation to support the new long-term care home, please email foundation@drdh.org or visit drdhfoundation.com.