Jump in the Lake Challenge raises more than $16,000 for the Summit Wellness Centre

The 7th annual Jump in the Lake Challenge (JILC) was an overwhelming success and raised more than $16,000 for the soon-to-be-opened Summit Wellness Centre (SWC).

In what was the coldest plunge in the history of the event, a few hundred generous donors and more than 20 brave participants raised funds to furnish and equip the community rooms within the SWC.

“What an incredible event this year! Participants really brought the fun to the next level with their creativity and enthusiasm – all in the name of community. Local business owners Vicki Taylor and Kim Elrick brought Bert and Ernie to life for the jump this year,” said SWC Operations Director Jennifer Wilson in a press release. “We are so excited to have these funds dedicated to those spaces in the Summit Wellness Centre that will be home to so many community gatherings. Thank you to Dean and Jenny for organizing and dedicating this year’s JILC to the SWC, and thanks to the incredibly brave people who volunteered to jump in the lake.”

Wilson was one of those brave people and felt the cold first-hand: “I can attest that this might just be the coldest plunge in the JITL history.”

Since 2019 the annual Jump in the Lake Challenge has raised more than $225,000 for the local community.

“We continue to be amazed how our community has embraced what has now become a fun annual event” said JILC founder Dean Michel. “When you combine brave individuals and generous donors, good things happen to make a difference in people’s lives. We are so excited to see the SWC opening later this summer.”

Next year’s Jump in the Lake Challenge will take place on Saturday May 1.