Dip, Donate & Freeze for a Cause!
United Way Windsor-Essex County will hold its first ever Polar Dip event Saturday where participants will plunge into the icy waters of Lake Erie to help support local kids find their path out of poverty.
Local United Way CEO Lorraine Goddard says this event is a way for people to support young people within their own community.
"We work with kids from elementary school right up to high school and those actually going to college and university to help them achieve academic success because United Way fundamentally believes that education is one of the clearest pathways out of poverty."
She says all the money raised stays local.
"All the dollars that are raised are going to help local kids. Particularly those in Leamington. Kids who are living maybe in low-income and are struggling in school to help provide them with the supports they need to be successful."
Goddard says they're hoping to raise $25,000.
"So we're hoping that we're getting close to that number. I don't think we're quite there yet so we'll be calling the community to action and hoping we'll get more folks to register and come on out and take the plunge."
The event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with a celebration and breakfast at the Roma Club of Leamington.
Participants will then be shuttled to Seacliff Beach.
Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraising team and individual adding a friendly competition to the event.
The public is encouraged to visit weareunited.com/polardip to support their favourite team taking on the challenge.