Chilly plunge for Campbellford charity

By Kristen Haveman

CAMPBELLFORD, ONT. (28/01/12) - Veronica Legge reacts to the cold water on Saturday, Jan. 28. Legge was one of approximately 25 people that dipped into the icy water to raise money for a complete blood analyser for Campbellford hospital. Photo by Kristen Haveman

Approximately 25 people braved the cold to take a quick dip in the Trent River on Saturday to raise money for Campbellford hospital, in this year’s Polar Plunge.

Pat Bannister, co-president of the Campbellford Hospital Auxiliary, said that they are trying to raise $70, 000 for a complete blood count analyser.  Bannister says that she is fairly confident they will raise enough money for the machine by April.

The Auxiliary raised money through several events, including the Polar Plunge, as well as the Auxiliary gift shop and Bingo.

Bannister said so far, the total raised from the polar plunge is $8,000, but that more money will come in over the next couple weeks. She said that totals for the year would not be completely known until April.

“I’m really confident we are going to be close to having enough this time around.”

Debbie Maki, lab manger at the hospital explained that a complete blood analyser is an important piece of equipment used in a hospital daily.  The machine analyses information about the blood, such as white and red blood cell counts, haemoglobin and platelet levels. Maki said it could diagnosis leukaemia, anaemia, platelet disorders and infections.

“This analyser is used daily and almost every patient — inpatient, outpatient or emergency patient — has one ordered by their attending physician,” said Maki through email.

Maki said that the hospital’s current machine is old and frequently needs repairs. Bannister also said that it was a real necessity for hospital. Every year, the Auxiliary picks one project from the hospital’s wish list to support. She said it felt amazing to be supporting something that was so needed this year.

The temperature was down to -8C for the plunge but that didn’t seem to faze the participants while they waited to plunge in bathing suits and shorts and T-shirts.

Ginette Dehne and her husband Ken raised $1,600 for taking the plunge.  Ginette said the experience was amazing and that she didn’t feel cold at all.

“It’s a real adrenalin rush and it’s for a good cause,” she said.

It was the first time Veronica Legge took part in a polar dip. She the idea of jumping into the cold water sounded invigorating.  Legge waited outside in her bathing suit for the jump to begin. She said the cause was worth the cold.

“It feels really good to support the local hospital. I also just wanted to try something new for the New Year.”