Costumed dipper  taking the plunge  in a previous event – photo 250News Archive

Prince George, B.C.-  It’s become another tradition in Prince George,  the annual  Polar Bear Dip  at the Ness Lake Bible Camp.

Dippers can take the plunge by  paying $20 dollars,  or by  collecting pledges.

This  is the 15th year for the event  which  raises money for the Camper  Sponsorship Fund to help children and youth attend camp.

There’s more to the event than just jumping into the frigid  water of Ness Lake.   Dippers  are encouraged to wear a costume,  and  that makes the eligible for  prizes.  There is also a prize for the top fundraiser.

The event gets underway at 2  on New Year’s Day  with the  costume judging.  Then   it’s down to the shoreline where members of the Ness Lake Volunteer Fire Department are  standing by to make sure  each dipper  gets in, and out,  of the water safely.

Last year,   around 50 people  took the chilly plunge,  and  raised  more than $7,000.