HUNDREDS of brave participants were freezing for a good cause by plunging into the 11°C depths of the Victoria Bay beach in George recently as part of the second instalment of the annual dotsure.co.za Polar Bear Plunge.
The event was aimed at symbolising solidarity to provide blankets to the local people and animals suffering through the cold winter.
This year’s edition of the fixture on the Eden district calendar was bigger and better than the first, sporting red-hot entertainment in the form of electro music sensation Goodluck, as well as an appearance by the beautiful Miss Junior Teen SA, Monique Best.
In lieu of a cover charge, participants were asked to make a donation in the form of a blanket, which was given to a charity of their choice.
This year the participants were given the option to donate either to human or animal recipients.
As a charitable foundation representing the animal cause, the Animal Anti Cruelty League (AACL) of Port Elizabeth was the grateful recipient of more than 200 blankets, which they will be putting to great use over the coming months.
The managing director of the locally based insurance provider dotsure.co.za. David Roache, said there were also a number of corporate sponsors and local businesses that contributed to the event’s immense success by donating their services, time and blankets to the worthy cause. “Every now and then humanity surprises us.
“We are so grateful for the overwhelming support that we received and are so proud to have been associated with the good that the Polar Bear Plunge does in the local community.
“Long may events like the dotsure.co.za Polar Bear Plunge continue and long may their effects on the needy be felt. We await next year’s instalment with baited breath and will have our winter swimming bodies ready once again,” he said.
