James Leigh (right) is taking part in this weekend's Polar Plunge to help people such as Kris Wright, (left) and those with intellectual disabilities. Photo/Stephen Parker
James Leigh (right) is taking part in this weekend's Polar Plunge to help people such as Kris Wright, (left) and those with intellectual disabilities. Photo/Stephen Parker
Bring out your bathing suits and get ready to take the plunge for a good cause.
The Rotorua Polar Plunge and Fire Walk will be held on Saturday at the Village Green, as a part of Hits Fire and Ice festival.
The event, in which volunteers take a dip inan ice pool or walk over a two-and-a-half-metre fire in bare feet, will raise money for local charities St Chads' Trust and the Waiariki Women's Refuge. Those brave enough to take on either challenge will collect a certificate.
Events and Venues major events co-ordinator Jason Cameron said it was a fantastic event for two worthy causes. It was also a great way for locals to try something out of the ordinary and be in to win a $10,000 spa pool package from HotSpring Portable Spas.
Event-goers can enjoy a warm dip in a spa after the plunge, before collecting a McCafe hot beverage voucher and free hot soup.
St Chads' Trust's centre manager James Leigh encouraged locals to take part. The money would go towards helping people with intellectual disabilities.
St Chads' Trust runs programmes for people with any kind of disability, helping them develop life skills and helping facilitate their inclusion into the wider community.
"This is an excellent way for people to help our cause and to raise our profile," he said.
"So everyone, bring along your friends and family and support this fantastic event and in turn, St Chads Trust and the Waiariki Women's Refuge.
A Waiariki Women's Refuge spokeswoman said money raised would help the women, children and families the refuge supported. It would allow the refuge to supply necessities and items, such as underwear, toiletries, nappies, colouring books and crayons for children.
Each pool plunge or fire walk costs $5, cash only. Event-goers can walk or plunge as many times as they want. Minimum age to enter is 14 and anyone taking part aged between 14 and 17 must have parental or legal guardian's consent.
Plunge divers should take swimwear, while changing facilities will be provided. Fire walkers must be barefoot. Health and safety provisions will be in place for the McDonald's Rotorua-supported event.
