Polar plungers fund community centre

Lake Hawea residents took a cold plunge yesterday for the good of the community, helping raise funds to keep their local community centre running smoothly.

About 30 people plunged off the Lake Hawea jetty at the boat ramp near the Lake Hawea Dam, under the watchful eye of a safety team.

Most wore fancy dress outfits, adding colour and hilarity to the occasion.

Wrapped up in towels after taking the Lake Hawea polar plunge yesterday are (from left) Lydia...
Wrapped up in towels after taking the Lake Hawea polar plunge yesterday are (from left) Lydia Oosterhuis, Madi Smith and Mabel North. PHOTOS: MARJORIE COOK
They had a short 5m swim to shore before being folded into the embraces of people holding blankets and towels.

Most then warmed up with hot drinks and food but a few jumpers had a second or even a third go.

Polar plunge organiser Ann-Maree Chatterton is a member of the Lake Hawea Community Centre Association, a small group that promotes and runs community events.

Ann-Maree Chatterton and daughter Georgia (5) relax after the plunge.
Ann-Maree Chatterton and daughter Georgia (5) relax after the plunge.
She confirmed she was not a regular dipper.

"It was really cold. I think the average temperature today was 8.6 degrees, so it was pretty cold," she said.

"All the donations from today go towards the community centre and its general maintenance and to help promote the centre.

"We have had a lot of new development in the community at the moment, so we try not to lose that community feel," she said.

 

 

 

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