Will Amos takes the plunge into the icy depths for the second year.
Peter L. Smith
Will Amos takes the plunge into the icy depths for the second year.
Peter L. Smith
L’ISLE-AUX-ALLUMETTES – Twelve brave, sponsored enthusiasts from Sheenboro, L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, Waltham, and other Pontiac regions jumped into five feet of icy water during the second annual Polar Bear Plunge, held February 27 on the Ottawa River. The event raised $2,800 for the Residence Meilleur du Haut Pontiac Seniors residence.
After their icy dip, participants were able to warm up in a hot tub donated
by Andre Vaillancourt. Winston Sunstrum, Mayor of L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, Pontiac MP Will Amos, and Doris Ranger, Mayor of Sheenboro, took the plunge for the second year. “It was a shock to my system when I jumped in, but I was definitely less nervous and more comfortable since this was my
second year doing it,” said Ranger, who also won a pair of Senators tickets donated by DC Grocery in a random draw.
All participants were secured with a rope and wore life jackets; Josue Aldanas, a certified diver from Chichester, was in the water at all times to ensure the participants’ safety. Volunteer firefighters from Chichester-Sheenboro, Waltham and L’Isle-aux-Alllumettes were also on hand. Free hot chocolate was available for everyone.
Derek Fleming Trucking, with help from L’Isle-aux-Allumettes Public Works employees, donated their time to cut the 12 by 12 foot hole in the ice just a short distance from the shore at the L’Isle-aux-Allumettes pump house. Dan’s Gas Bar provided the gas for the generator and Brittany Morin from the SADC Pontiac assisted with organizing the event and also took the plunge in support of the cause.
