Soon participants, some in costume, were preparing to make their splash, some looking at the dark hole in the ice with trepidation. Two ice safety experts, donning wetsuits, got into the freezing water to remove the ice from the surface, they would remain in the water to assist any of the dippers who needed it.
With lots of support and cheering from the large gathering of spectators, including Jasper the bear, the fearless participants, sacrificing the comfort of dry warm clothing for the just cause of raising money for the Canadian Diabetes Foundation, lined up. Three at a time they leaped into the icy dark water, quickly emerging up the provided ladders, steam pouring from their chilled bodies, some releasing loud cries of shock.
“You know it wasn’t that bad,” declared organizer Melody Gaboury. “It was worth it for all the pledges I raised personally.”
Gadboury exceeded her goals and raised $2,232 for the Canadian Diabetes Foundation.
The prize for top money raised went to Crystal Bourne, who received pledges in the amount of $1,085. Second prize went to Andrew Yakielashek, raising $600 and third prize went to Wilma Verheije with pledges totalling $205.50.
The prize for best costume went to “Pope” Jan Pecek. Second prize was awarded to Jocelyn Nadeau who dressed as a woman and Sarah Keilbach won third prize for her “Thing One” costume.
The grand total of money raised for the Canadian Diabetes Foundation during the event was $5,023.
Forty-five people braved the cold and leaped into the icy waters of Patricia Lake this year, 11 more than last year.
