LAURIE WEIR

The 2025 Perth Polar Bear Plunge set new records.

A total of 222 jumpers braved the frigid Jan. 1 temperatures of the Little Tay in Perth, raising more than $82,000 for The Hospice Hub. This marked the most participants and the highest amount of money raised in the event’s history. The previous record was $35,000, set in 2018 for The Table Community Food Centre.

Initially aiming for $40,000, organizers had already surpassed their goal just ahead of jump day. The funds will support and expand services at The Hospice Hub, an initiative dedicated to providing critical end-of-life care and bereavement support in the community.

“It’s overwhelming—very humbling,” said Anne Janssen, volunteer executive director of The Hospice Hub. “People’s confidence in our work is mind-blowing and heartwarming. It shows they are truly forming part of this hospice community.”

Perth Coun. Gary Waterfield expressed his interest in jumping for The Hospice Hub after losing two friends in 2024—Roger Jamieson and Glenn Tunnock. 

“Monies raised will help provide comprehensive, compassionate care to support anyone at the end of life and their families wherever they call home in our community at no charge,” he said. 

Tay Valley Township Reeve Rob Rainer was one of 222 plungers to take the leap. 

“In a short period of time The Hospice Hub has emerged as a leader advancing the cause of hospice care in the Perth and surrounding area. I am so impressed with the dedication of volunteers behind this extremely worthy cause I am going to take an exhilarating plunge into the Tay to support their work,” he said. 

For The Hospice Hub volunteer, Sam Callahan, she jumped for the first time in memory of loved ones.

“When Mum died five years ago, followed by my stepdad, Jim Hill, I struggled with my purpose and wondered how to cope with the void,” she said. “To bring joy, I needed to explore different opportunities outside my comfort zone. When a friend mentioned she was volunteering with The Hospice Hub, I wanted to know more, having just gone through that difficult journey. I wanted to make that journey easier for others. I met with The Hospice Hub committee, they were knowledgeable, passionate and determined to bring hospice care to our community. This felt right. This felt serendipitous,” she said. 

Callahan added, “I became engaged with Plunge for Hospice and because of Jimmy, I am inspired to plunge for the first time… Jimmy plunged five times.”

Since incorporating in March 2023, The Hospice Hub has worked tirelessly to establish itself as a cornerstone of compassionate care in Perth. Initial efforts focused on community outreach, volunteer training, and setting up policies and systems. By October, The Hospice Hub began offering in-home care, addressing a vital need in a community where hospice services are scarce.

Janssen attributes the strong fundraising results to the community’s belief in The Hospice Hub’s standards and the expertise of its team. 

“We have an incredibly talented board with extensive hospice experience. Our volunteers and staff are dedicated and compassionate, and the community sees that,” she said.

Currently, The Hospice Hub operates through in-home care and bereavement support, with nearly 40 trained volunteers delivering essential services. The long-term goal is to establish a hospice residence in the Perth-Smiths Falls area by December 2027. The facility would offer four Ministry of Health-allocated beds, ensuring that those who cannot remain at home have access to 24/7 care in a supportive environment.

“For many families, travelling to hospice facilities in Sharbot Lake, Kingston, or Ottawa is simply not feasible,” Janssen explained. “A local hospice residence would allow families to stay close to their loved ones during one of the most challenging times in their lives.”

The funds raised through the Polar Plunge have already made a tangible difference, enabling The Hospice Hub to hire part-time staff, including a nurse coordinator and, soon, an executive director on a part-time basis. These roles will enhance The Hospice Hub’s capacity to meet the growing demand for services.

Janssen emphasized the importance of hospice care, not just for those nearing the end of life but also for their caregivers. “Hospice is about living well until the end, ensuring dignity and comfort for both patients and their families. Having support during this time can be life-changing.”

With its next steps focused on sustainability and expanding its reach, The Hospice Hub is poised to continue its transformative work in the Perth area. For those involved, the Polar Plunge’s success is a testament to the power of community and the shared commitment to providing compassionate care.

“It’s inspiring to see what we can achieve together,” Janssen said. “This is just the beginning.”

To learn more about The Hospice Hub, visit www.thehospicehub.ca. Donations to this year’s fundraising efforts will remain open until Jan. 10.Next year’s recipient is the Perth-Upon-Tay Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 244. For more information, visit www.rcl244.com.