Brave Souls Take the Plunge at Polar Dip

Morien — Despite biting January temperatures, more than fifty hardy participants made a splash during the annual News Day Polar Dip on Saturday, January 25. Held at Sunrise Beach off Lighthouse Road, the event raised nearly $4,200 for the Donkin Health Centre’s new dialysis unit. Early-morning onlookers cheered as swimmers—ranging in age from 8 to 72—shivered through a brisk 10-second plunge into the frigid waters, then raced back to warming tents stocked with hot chocolate and homemade chili. 

Organizer and local journalist Amelia Thompson explained that News Day—Donkin’s yearly community celebration of local journalism—added the Polar Dip six years ago to raise funds for health initiatives. “Each year, our town shows up in force,” Amelia said, sipping steaming coffee under the warming tent. “It’s become a News Day tradition: readers and reporters alike gather, brave the cold, and support a cause that affects so many neighbors.”

Swimmer registration began at 9 a.m. in the Donkin Town Hall, where participants picked up branded knit toques and long-sleeve T-shirts printed with this year’s Polar Dip slogan: “Freeze for a Cure.” By 10:30 a.m., the group—dressed in everything from neon wetsuits to hilarious turkey costumes—assembled along the shoreline. Local fire crews stationed two safety boats in the water and volunteers from the Donkin Search and Rescue team monitored conditions. “Safety is our top priority,” said Fire Chief Marcus Levesque, watching as the first swimmers lined up. “These waters hover around 2°C, so we have to be ready for any emergencies.”

At precisely 11 a.m., the horn sounded and swimmers plunged in unison, eliciting cheers from dozens of spectators—many wrapped in blankets or waving handmade signs that read, “Go Team Newsies!” and “Donkin Ducks Don’t Quack, They Splash.” Among the participants was eight-year-old Jasper MacDonald, whose older sister Lily volunteered onshore. “I was so cold,” Jasper laughed afterward, rubbing his arms. “But it was super fun, and I know it’s for a good cause.” Lily added, “Seeing him come out grinning—and knowing the money helps people who need dialysis—makes it all worthwhile.”

By noon, warm blankets and mugs of chili had thawed everyone’s spirits. Volunteers counted donations, confirming that the Polar Dip’s $4,200 haul would fund two months of supplies for the new dialysis unit. Mayor Esther Collins, who donated $250 to enter the dip herself, praised the community’s generosity: “News Day reminds us why we value local journalism,” she said. “But it also reminds us why we value one another—because on days like this, Donkin comes together as a family.”

Attendees are encouraged to save the date for next year’s Polar Dip—Saturday, January 31, 2026—and to mark News Day celebrations beginning with the annual pancake breakfast at the Town Hall.