Jump in the Lake Challenge

jump in the lake challenge IS BACK!

May 16th, 2026. 2:00 pm ~ at Your Dock!

Ah! The first swim of the season, when the water is a bit of a shock at first but ends in a refreshing feeling of ...wait. No. It's a blood-curdling scream and a furious scramble to get out before you lose sensation in your baby toes. Oh! My! Word! You just about sucked in half the lake when the shock of that icy feeling hit you. What on earth were you thinking?! Just keep your cool (pun intended) and don't push your kids or your Gramma under in your frantic race to get out!*

Sounds like a good time, right? You bet! But only the bravest of the brave will undertake this challenge!

DONATE OR REGISTER

what is the challenge?

The Jump in the Lake Challenge takes place Saturday, May 16th at 2:00 PM. Unlike organized Polar Bear dips that happen in one central location, this exciting event takes place off each participant’s dock or waterfront location of their choice.

history of the challenge

The Jump in the Lake Challenge was started by Dean Michel and Jennifer Bacon in 2020 as a socially-distanced way to bring people and community together. Since 2020, over 100 participants and generous donors in this exciting annual event have raised over $130,000 for their local community in northern Kawartha Lakes.

about the plunge

As always - safety first, folks!

Know and respect your own limits and abilities.
Don't plunge alone, into unknown water, water where you can't touch or head first.
We encourage the use of life jackets.
Do not push anyone in or under, regardless of whether they are your child, grandparent or least favourite relative

And don't forget to tag us in your posts and photos!

#JumpInTheLake2026 #JITL206 @centralfoodnetwork @heatbankhaliburton

get involved today!

take the plunge

I'm Jumping In

pledge a plunger

If you don't have what it takes, please sponsor someone who does. They're going to earn it. Plus, it's going to help Central Food Network who offer vital services to our community. So it's a win-win! Except for the poor souls who are jumping in the lake in early May - but at least they get bragging rights!

PLEDGE A PLUNGER

NEW FOR 2026: Jumping in the lake, not your thing?

You can set your own bold challenge. We invite you to jump into the fun by registering with Jump in the Lake and then setting your own bold fundraising challenge! Bold challenges include running a 5K, hosting a BBQ, organizing a knit-a-thon, hosting a live stream, or anything else you can think of!

Your participation makes a difference. Every dollar raised helps fuel the fight against hunger and poverty across Haliburton Highlands. Together, we make our communities stronger! To join in, register now.

PAST IMPACT

Since we first launched in 2023, Jump in the Lake continues to raise goosebumps AND critical dollars for the Central Food Network's programs. Over the years, we are so thrilled and grateful to report that participants and donors raised:

2023: $3,015 in donations
2024: $9,000 in donations
2025: $12,924 in donations

In 2026, we are looking to go bigger than ever before! Are you in?

Let's raise some cold, hard cash for the food banks of Highlands East and Heat Bank Haliburton County!