Help make sure Algoma Steel CEO ends up underwater

Algoma University staff and students, along with members of the community, have committed to "taking the plunge" in this year's Bon Soo Polar Bear Dip with a new fundraising campaign.

"Hunger Freeze" is a campaign to raise money and non-perishable items for local food pantries. 

It works like this: The donation of one non-perishable food item is valued at $1, and at certain donation milestones a different person will jump into the water.

This year's participants include city councillor Sonny Spina — who will take the plunge if the campaign hits $6,500 — and Algoma Steel CEO Michael Garcia, who is pencilled in for the $8,500 mark.

If the campaign reaches 10,000 items, the entire crew will hit the water.

Donation bins will be set up on campus as well as at various locations throughout the city. Those preferring to make a financial donation can do so at the George Leach Centre or online via the CanadaHelps fundraising platform here.

“As a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Community, I am proud to support the Hunger Freeze in my capacity as a City Councillor," Spina said in a news release issued by the university . “Students are valuable members of our community and we want to do all that we can to support them as they build lives here in Sault Ste. Marie”

To join the list of participants and help reach the fundraising goal click here.

For full details, see the complete news release below: 

Algoma University is once again participating in the Bon Soo Polar Bear Plunge, but with a twist. Students, staff, faculty, alumni and community partners will come together to challenge our community through the ‘Hunger Freeze’, a fundraising campaign for local food pantries.

Here is how it works: The donation of one non-perishable food item is valued at $1, and at certain donation milestones, different members of the Algoma U community as well as some of our amazing community Partners have committed to ‘taking the plunge’ for the Hunger Freeze campaign.

Non-perishable food items are being collected at the following locations on the Algoma University campus (1520 Queen Street East):

• The George Leach Centre
• Arthur Wishart Library Circulation Desk

Collection bins will also be available at: 

• YNCU Curling Centre (124 Anita Blvd.)
• John Rhodes Community Centre (260 Elizabeth Street)
• Northern Community Centre (556 Goulais Ave.)
• YNCU (289 Bay St) 
• YNCU (535 Trunk Rd)

Those preferring to make a financial donation can do so at the George Leach Centre or online via the CanadaHelps fundraising platform here. The more you donate, the more participants will “take the plunge”, and the more we help those in need. If the campaign reaches 10,000 items, our entire crew will take the plunge! A full list of participants and their corresponding fundraising goals and updates can be found on our Instagram. 

Algoma Steel CEO, Michael Garcia has graciously joined the team to help support this important cause. Sonny Spina, Ward 1 Councillor will also be participating. 

“As a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Community, I am proud to support the Hunger Freeze in my capacity as a City Councilor”, shared Councillor Spina. “Students are valuable members of our community and we want to do all that we can to support them as they build lives here in Sault Ste. Marie”

Sign ups for Hunger Freeze Polar Plungers are still open! If you would like to join the list of participants and help us reach our fundraising goal you can do so here.

Event Details: 

Who: Algoma University and Sault Ste. Marie Community 

What: Bon Soo Polar Bear Plunge and Algoma U “Hunger Freeze” 

When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m Plunge

Where: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre 5
50 Pim St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 3G4

Algoma University is proud to support the 61th annual Bon Soo Winter Carnival.