After successful inaugural events that saw more than a dozen County residents plunge into frigid water to raise money for the Minden Community Food Centre and Central Food Network (CFN) in Highlands East, the two organizations are teaming up for this year’s Jump in the Lake fundraiser.
Friendly competition is the theme touted by Jean Munroe, manager of the Minden food bank, and Tina Jackson, executive director at CFN. The “fun” event will be happening across the Highlands May 4.
“Unlike a typical polar plunge, Jump in the Lake challenges participants to take a dip from wherever they choose – their own docks, a public beach, or heck, even a cold plunge tub,” Munroe said.
She added there won’t be a central gathering spot where people can jump, and the public will observe, noting there would be significant insurance costs to host a public event.
“We want every penny from this to go towards helping people in our communities,” Munroe said.
Events last year raised $3,500 in Minden and $3,015 in Highlands East. Jackson said she reached out to Munroe earlier this year to partner on the initiative, in the hopes of drawing larger numbers.
Jackson said they’re promoting the event as a way for friends, family, and local businesses to engage in some friendly competition. caught onto the initiative after seeing how successful it had been in Coboconk, for the community’s health hub. She’s raised more than $5,000 over the years.
“There’s so many ways to get involved and push your fellow plungers – businesses can challenge other businesses, friends and family can challenge one another. I think it’s a really fun way to do this,” Jackson said, noting there will also be a competition between the two food banks, with the losing team donning rubber duck floats on their way into the water.
Costumes are encouraged, especially considering the event is being held on May 4 – universally accepted as Star Wars appreciation day.
Fundraisers like this are more important than ever, both Munroe and Jackson say, with demand at their food banks at an alltime high. Munroe said usage in Minden was up 35 per cent last year, and 27 per cent in 2022, with Jackson sharing a similar story in Highlands East, which reported a 37 per cent increase at locations in Cardiff and Wilberforce in 2023.
“We’re having a tough time keeping up. We’re getting new people through the door every day. We used to see, maybe, four new people per month. Now we’re seeing four or five new people per day sometimes,” Munroe said. “And the big thing is it’s working people… between the high cost of rent and prices increasing for practically everything else, people don’t know where to turn.”
Horseshoe Lake resident Amanda Federchuk has been raising money for the Minden Community Food Centre by jumping into cold water for the past five years. She caught onto the initiative after seeing how successful it had been in Coboconk, for the community’s health hub. She’s raised more than $5,000 over the years.
“It’s always such a thrill on that day. I’m lucky that I have a whole community that rallies around me, which always helps to get the adrenaline pumping pre-jump,” Federchuk said. “Once you’re in, it’s a blast of cold. A bit of a shock to the system – it’s definitely breathtaking, but it’s all over in a minute or so.
“I tell people all the time – I’m pretty sure jumping in an ice-cold lake is good for your immune system. The water hits differently here. I always feel great right after.” To register as a participant, or to donate, visit mindencommunityfoodcentre.ca, or centralfoodnetwork.org.
May the fourth be with you
Highlands realtor Dean Michel is preparing for his fifth Jump in the Lake challenge, raising money for the Coboconk and area food bank.
In previous years, the event has served as a fundraiser for the Coboconk health hub – currently under construction. Since its inception in 2020, Jump in the Lake has raised over $150,000. Michel noted this year’s goal is $20,000.
Leaning into the Star Wars theme, given the May 4 date, Michel encouraged the community to get involved.
“This challenge embodies our strong community spirit. Year after year we are absolutely thrilled with how such a small action by a number of people has the ability to transform and inspire a small community,” Michel said. “It’s a lot of fun for a fantastic cause.”
