Thank You for Participating in
NRCM's 16th Annual Polar Bear Dip & Dash
Together you helped us raise $39,204 in support of NRCM's climate & clean energy work. Thank you!
- See photos on our Facebook page. Please tag yourself and your friends!
- See full 5k race results
- News Center Maine news story: "More than 100 take part in NRCM's annual polar plunge to support Maine climate action projects"
The effects of climate change on Maine’s environment are severe. We’re already seeing extreme weather patterns. Wildlife habitat and our recreation, leaf-peeping, and fishing industries are threatened. Seas are rising and our air quality is decreasing.
The Natural Resources Council of Maine advocates for energy-efficient solutions for homes and businesses, pollution-free air, clean transportation, and renewable energy sources. Every cent raised through the Polar Bear Dip & Dash is used to directly support this work to reduce emissions and realize a clean energy future.
Enjoy our mash-up video of the 2021 virtual dips!
History
In 2009, 14 staff and family members gathered on East End Beach in Portland and plunged into the icy, cold Atlantic Ocean to raise funds and awareness of NRCM's work to curb climate-changing pollution and support a clean energy future for Maine.
Since then, we have had a polar plunge each year on New Year's Eve Day, with hundreds of participants. We added a 5K “warm-up” run in 2011. From 2020-2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic, we switched to an all-virtual format...and still met our fundraising goals! In 2022, we once again gathered, this time at a new location at Southern Maine Community College's South Portland campus on December 31st for an in-person event. We also continue to offer a virtual option.
Watch a fun video by Josh Gerritsen of one of our past Dip & Dash events.