Waterfront: April 2007 - Heartwarming Cold Plunge

Edmonton Polar Bear Dip raises big bucks for local food bank.

In January, as part of the Realty Executives Polar Bear Dip, a fundraiser for the Edmonton Food Bank, 17 hardy souls jumped into the 41-degree Fahrenheit outdoor pool at the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

In between the pool and a waiting hot tub, the jumpers had to scurry through 7 degrees air temperature. But their efforts were well worth it — they raised over $12,000 for the food bank.

"For a one-day event, that's phenomenal," Facy Lucy, Edmonton Food Bank's senior program coordinator, told the Edmonton Sun .

While most jumpers simply shivered on their way out of the pool, one let out a big "whew" as he got out. "It's great, it's a reminder that you're alive," said 25-year-old Jay Simser.

Shayne Jablonski (pictured) was coaxed into participating in his first Polar Bear Dip by his friend, David Lillico (also pictured), a long-time volunteer at the food bank. Photographer Tim Smith caught the two on camera as they were taking the plunge, and AQUA would like you to write the caption. The author of the best caption (as judged by the AQUA editors) will win a $25 gift card. Please e-mail your caption ideas to [email protected], and include your name, company name and address. We look forward to reading your captions!