> See Then & Now, a salute to long-standing community partners /Pgs 12-15 > WL CAO retires suddenly Pg 4 > No NIagara charges after New Years RIDE Pg 9 > Levee double header set for this Saturday, Jan. 6 Pg 16 Thursday, January 4, 2024 Vol. 12 Issue 34
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Some of the Boudie Babes of Niagara - (L to R) Tisha Vaillancourt, Meaghan Mulcair and Meagan Stewart- who helped raise $2,000
Circ: 29,006
- of the 2024 total of $8,800 - for McNally House Hospice at Monday’s annual Polar Bear Swim in Grimsby. McDonald - Photo
2024 Polar Bear breaks its fundraising record By Joanne McDonald NewsNow A record-breaking number of swimmers welcomed the new year by braving Lake Ontario for the annual Grimsby Polar Bear Dip. The snow held off, but the temperature was zero and the waves were choppy as
200 hearty souls faced the cold shock and shivering of the quick run and dip. “It was the largest crowd to take the dip in the event’s 15-year history,” organizer Gavin Lutz said after the event. Monday’s plunge into the water at Bal Harbour
also raised the most money ever. “We raised $8,800, about $3,000 more than last year,” Lutz said. “It was incredible.” “Grimsby really cares about its community, it’s a great way to start the new year and it’s raising money
for a good cause.” Lutz said the event has now raised $43,000 over the past 15 years for McNally House Hospice. “They do such great work and they touch so many lives,” Lutz said. “It’s the least we can do for the community.”
A testament to that work, swimmers shared some of their own reasons for taking the plunge. Paul Dominick lost a friend last year. Many would remember Hank Henrikson, 90, as the longtime caretaker at St. Joseph Church in Grimsby. See SWIM, Page 17