The 30th anniversary of the Perth Polar Bear Plunge was a resounding success with well over 100 jumpers taking an icy dip in the Tay River just outside the Legion.
Founder David Lavery was back to take part. He lives in Dubai but always does his best to make it home to take a pair of jumps. Lavery was incredibly grateful to see the support both from the plungers themselves, and their supporters who gather by the hundreds every year to cheer them on. Lavery has said many times he is very proud of what the event has become. He reiterated that in his opening remarks.
This year the plunge was raising money for the Rural FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), a homegrown group that serves those living with FASD and their families.
An impressive $27,000 had been raised by the time of the jump with more expected to come in.
The group’s growth and support has been inspirational over the years. Their Rob More said that their team raised $10,000 for the cause through the plunge and they are so very thankful to everyone else who turned out to raise vital funds for their organization. “I can officially announce there were 144 plungers today and just over $27, 665 raised so far.” He hopes to hit $30,000 to honour the anniversary by the time the final count is complete.
The jump has become famous in plungers circles for its attention to safety and overall professionalism. It draws people from far and wide every year. This year saw plungers from Winnipeg, Cumberland and even an Australian who was visiting for the holidays took part.
Lake 88 is proud to be the media sponsor for the plunge every year. This year Brian Perkin handed over the MC reigns to Bob Perreault who also completed his fifth jump at the event. Click below to see Bob’s less than graceful entrance into the water alongside Lavery.
Just before the final plunges took place, it was announced that the Hospice Hub would be the 2025 recipient.
All photos are courtesy OF Kathy Botham.
You can see more in the post from Rob More shared below as well.
Learn more about the Perth Polar Bear Plunge here.
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