The congregation at Central Fellowship Baptist Church enthusiastically took up the challenge to raise $500 to send Pastor Brian Joyce into the chilly water again during Ness Lake Bible Camp's 11th annual Polar Bear Dip on New Year's day.
With $1,800 raised so far, he's guaranteed to take the plunge Wednesday.
Joyce was the top fundraiser during last year's event, raising $650 of the $3,000 raised in total.
"There's a lot of kids who can't afford to go to camp but camp can make a huge difference in the life of a young person and I don't want money to be the reason they can't go," said Joyce. "I told the congregation that I would need at least $500 to go in and it's over $1,800 now, so they really want me to freeze."
Central Fellowship Baptist Church youth pastor Reigan Brown said it would take no less than $1,000 to brave the frigid water with Joyce so he'll take the dip as well to honour the congregation's support.
The Ness Lake Bible Camp holds this annual fundraising event to replenish the coffers of their Camper Sponsorship Fund.
Pastor Don Hoffman, of Fort George Baptist Church, told his congregation it would take a $1,000 for him to make a splash. An envelope was pushed under his door with $1,000 in it a few days later, the note with it asked 'why not make it $2,000?' So he did.
"We are thrilled about this friendly competition as the real winners are the kids who get to come to camp this summer," said Dave Horton, Ness Lake Bible Camp's program director.
Check in time is 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Welcome Centre, the log building in the parking lot at 23705 Camp Road. Free Polar Bear T-shirts will be handed out for the first 50 participants. Costumes are optional and encouraged. There are many prizes for top fundraisers and best costume. Spectators are welcome to watch the fun and everyone can enjoy hot chocolate and cinnamon buns. The entry fee is $20 per participant and it's not too late to pledge money for the cause by visiting www.nlbc.bc.ca or pledge a pastor by calling Ness Lake Bible Camp's office at 250-612-4673 or bring the money to the event.
