KELOWNA, B.C. – People all over the world kick off the new year by taking a plunge into freezing cold water. It’s a tradition well known in the Okanagan Valley and three UBC Okanagan business students are turning it into an opportunity to help a local charity called Community Recreational Initiative Society (CRIS). They have organized a polar bear swim event to raise money for the cause and have been collecting pledges for a month.
CRIS helps people with mental and physical disabilities access the outdoors through activities like kayaking. Executive Director for CRIS, Dawn Widdifield says the organization is growing.
“The need is there. We are trying to acquire some funds to develop a new building where we can actually store all of our equipment and have enough office space,” says Widdifield.
All proceeds raised from the Kelowna Polar Bear Swim will go towards the fully accessible new facility on Mission Creek. Organizers of the event hope to raise $5,000 for the charity.
The event will include a live band, hot chocolate and pastries. Festivities begin at 12pm at Okanagan Waterfront Park and the polar bear dip is at 2pm.
Comments