Doggie Paddle Plunge returns: Freeze your tail off for a cause
STRATHAM — The New Hampshire SPCA is challenging animal lovers of all ages to "freeze their tail off" at the Doggie Paddle Plunge.
For those brave enough to dip into the icy waters, the plunge offers both zany adventure and the chance to give back, with all proceeds benefiting homeless and helpless animals.
The Doggie Paddle Plunge will take place on Saturday, March 2, at Great Island Common in New Castle.
“The plunge is a favorite event for us at the New Hampshire SPCA,” said Sheila Ryan, director of development and marketing. “It’s a ton of fun and a chance for our community to express their love of animals through something as wild as a swim in the freezing Atlantic. But the plunge is also a critical fundraiser to get us through the winter months.”
Ryan said funds raised by plungers help the organization provide “safe shelter, nourishing food, and lifesaving care to pets in need during a time when overall donations to the NHSPCA can be slow.”
Each year, the Doggie Paddle Plunge invites those with a heart for animals and guts to brave the cold elements in support of the NHSPCA. Participants, also known as plungers, can register individually or as a group, collecting donations from family, friends and anyone who challenges them to “take the plunge.”
“We have a goal of $30,000 for this year’s plunge, and we’re 60% there,” Ryan said. “Between now and March 2, every registration and donation, no matter the size, can help us meet our fundraising goal and continue to touch the lives of homeless, neglected, and abused animals.”
The more a plunger raises, the more they’re rewarded with exclusive prizes and bragging rights.
Plungers who raise $75 will earn an embroidered NHSPCA baseball cap while fundraising $150 gets participants the plunge’s highly coveted long-sleeve tee featuring this year’s custom dog with goggles artwork. Those who reach the two top levels, $500 and $1,000, earn a hooded sweatshirt and a high-end insulated vest.
The event on March 2 will begin in the New Castle Recreation Center at Great Island Common at 11 a.m. with check-in, donation submissions and a hot drink and snacks before the big chill. At noon sharp, the party heads to the beach, with plungers running full speed ahead into the wintry waters of the Atlantic.
Registration includes pre-plunge hot drinks and snacks, with a delicious warm lunch immediately after. Plungers can register in advance or at the event, and family and friends are welcome to join in the revelry and cheer on the plungers from the beach and, for a small donation, enjoy lunch. To register and learn more, visit https://nhspca.org/doggie-paddle-plunge-2024/.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NHSPCA Doggie Paddle Plunge returns: Raise funds for homeless animals
