Dave Lavery is seen in this file photo during a conversation about the Polar Bear Plunge
Perth Native Dave Lavery known around our town for founding the Perth Polar Bear Plunge, has been taken by the Taliban after landing at Kabul’s airport, early in the week, according to reports from CTV.
The former Canadian soldier founded Raven Rae (ray) Resources in Afghanistan which has helped hundreds of people escape war zones. National reports point to more than 100 people he helps escape Afghanistan during Kabul’s Fall in 2021. But there have been hundreds saved in other warzones, such as Ukraine.
He told myFM in 2023 about the work they do.
Lavery almost downplayed the impact Raven Rae and he has had.
He returns to Perth every December to take part in the aforementioned Perth Polar Bear plunge. He told us the plunge started from humble beginnings helping Crime Stoppers, but quickly grew in popularity.
The Federal Government has not confirmed Lavery has been taken, but Global Affairs Canada says they are dealing with an incident involving a Canadian in the Country.