When dozens of brave (some would say crazy) souls hit the water in Lake Couchiching last weekend, the Dean of Georgian’s Orillia Campus was the first to take the plunge.

Mary O’Farrell-Bowers represented the Campus and its students as the “celebrity dipper” for this year’s Polar Bear Dip.

She has also worked hard to fundraise, because while it’s an extremely fun event, supporting the two worthy charities that will benefit is also serious work. O’Farrell-Bowers raised more than $4,000 for Telecare Orillia and the Orillia Youth Ladies Slo-Pitch League.

“I’m sure there would be warmer ways to make this contribution,” says O’Farrell-Bowers. “Still, I am very proud to represent our Campus in the Polar Bear Dip. This is one opportunity for Georgian to give back because we recognize that the community supports us in numerous ways.”

In particular, she refers to more than 1,100 work placements created for Georgian students every year. Almost all of these are located in Orillia and area, and wouldn’t happen without the ongoing partnership of businesses and employers across the region.

The Orillia Campus has a long tradition of supporting worthy community causes. A few years ago, someone on Campus tried to make a list detailing the community involvement of all staff and students. It went on for seven pages.

“I think it’s great that our Dean is leading the Polar Bear Dip, because she’s supporting two charities,” says Emily Charron. As a current member of the Orillia Students’ Administrative Council (SAC), and incoming president, Charron has been involved in numerous campus fundraising events. “Just last week, we hosted our annual charity gala and raised almost a thousand dollars for the Orillia Youth Centre. Last year, the proceeds went to Jubilee House,” she says.

O’Farrell-Bowers herself is no stranger to community fundraising. Last May, after only a few months in the Dean’s position, she shaved her head to raise money for Cops for Cancer. That effort raised several thousand dollars.