Hospice Hub raises over $50,000 with 150 plungers
LAURIE WEIR
Start your new year with a splash, and for a great cause. On Jan. 1, the annual Polar Bear Plunge in Perth returns, this year in support of the Hospice Hub.
“We said we would shatter the record, and we have,” the Hospice Hub shared on Facebook. “We’ve already raised over $51,000 online and have more than 150 registered plungers!”
The plunge will take place along the banks of the Tay River, near the Perth-Upon-Tay Royal Canadian Legion. Registration opens at 8 a.m., with breakfast available for participants. A safety briefing will follow at 9:45 a.m.
Founded in 1994 as a fundraiser for Crime Stoppers by David Lavery and others at the Perth Legion, the Polar Bear Plunge has grown into one of Canada’s safest and most successful events of its kind. Over the years, it has raised more than $450,000 for various local organizations.
However, this year’s event carries a somber note as Lavery, a Canadian veteran and one of the plunge’s founders, has gone missing in Afghanistan.
Lavery, known for his humanitarian efforts and for helping evacuate Afghan interpreters during the 2021 Kabul crisis, disappeared at Kabul airport on Nov. 11, 2024. Global Affairs Canada and the Veterans Transition Network (VTN) are actively working to ensure his safety.
For years, Lavery has been instrumental in providing private security and aiding Afghan interpreters and civilians. His contributions were pivotal during the VTN’s 2021 campaign, which sheltered thousands in safehouses and evacuated over 4,000 individuals to safety.
The VTN confirmed that Lavery has always entered Afghanistan with proper documentation issued by the Afghan government, which has been aware of his humanitarian work.
“Global Affairs Canada is aware of the situation and is providing consular assistance,” the VTN stated. “We trust the Canadian government is doing everything possible to ensure Dave’s safety and his swift return. The VTN will continue to support efforts to bring Dave home.”
As of now, there has been no further update on Lavery’s whereabouts.
