‘Plunge for Life’ and for a good cause at Clarington Polar Bear Dip

The Clarington Polar Bear Dip has been called the ‘Dash of Insanity’ and the ‘Plunge for Life’ and it truly is a bit of both. But it’s also for a good cause and nearly 300 people took on the icy Lake Ontario challenge last year to support adults living with autism in Durham Region.

The event is organized by the family of Hollylynn ‘Froggie’ Kathleen Towie, a 17-year-old Whitby girl who died, along with friends Ben Twiddy, 19 and Holly Harrison, 18, in a house fire on Dundas Street in Whitby in 2012.

Hollylynne Towie

Towie’s father Hugh started a scholarship fund through Autism Ontario for autistic children who want to attend post-secondary school shortly after the tragedy.

Proceeds from Wednesday’s Polar Bear Swim at the Bond Head Parkette in Newcastle support her memorial fund and efforts to help adults living with autism in Durham.

Registration for the swim begins at 12:45 p.m. and swimmers will take to the icy water at 2 p.m.

Clarington Fire Fighters will be on hand keeping everyone safe and will have a bonfire and BBQ to warm up the swimmers. There will also be prizes for best costume, most dollars raised, and more.

Visit autismhomebase.com/polarbearswim to register. Click here to download a pledge form and collect donations or visit the ‘register or donate’ tab to share your e-pledge form with friends and family.

More than $20,000 was raised last year by 285 swimmers.