Getting heat from the freezing foreshore
Upper Hutt Wesleyhaven retirement village staff have dreamed up a “sponsorship scorecard” for the Petone foreshore “Polar Plunge”.
Village manager Karen Rhind says the scorecards are to help raise funds for a new heat pump.
“Family, work colleagues, and friends are sponsoring us. And our Irish colleague has got sponsorship up to $380– if she takes the full plunge,” Rhind laughs.
The sponsorship cards earn: $1 to wet ankles, $2 to knee, $5 thigh high, $10 waist wait, $15 chest deep pneumonia, and $20 turn to ice submersion.
“It’s great to have someone keen in the swim team who really challenges us,” says Rhind, who has swum the event herself for almost a decade. “It’s really cold, and it takes a bit of determination to keep walking out there.”
The “Polar Plunge” is the Hutt Valley’s annual mid-winter swim, and staff and Wesleyhaven have supported it for eight years.
Wesleyhaven has over 150 residents, many of whom help prepare soup to feed the thousands of people who attend the event.
“You can run out into the water – lots of the younger ones try to get a tennis ball for a prize – then come back and warm up with a nice soup.”
Funds raised on the day are going towards a new $3,000 heat pump for the village’s recreation hall.
They have already received a $1,000 donation, and hope the plunge will provide the rest.
The $1 donations to compete in the Polar Plunge also go to Wesleyhaven.
Prizes for “best dressed” are up for grabs, and the retirement home staff always make a big effort with their costumes.
Costumes have included a Pack of Cards and Yellow Polka-Dot bikinis.
The carnival attracts around 40,000 spectators and includes public art, high-wire acrobatics and a fireworks display.
Petone Winter Carnival, Polar Plunge from 2pm, August 14
Have Your Say
0 Comments
No comments.