On January 1st friends of Galiano may have noticed an increase in the bear population on the island. Many  brave and furless bears (well some were rather hairy) came out of their comfy hibernation in their winter splendour to jump into the freezing water at Montague Beach for the benefit of Health Care.

Curious observers and supporters witnessed all kinds of polar bears jumping in the freezing water: tattooed bears, a teeny wheeny
bear (3 years old), elder bears (in their 70s), female and male bears, whole families of bears and, of course, some of the babes of 42.

The GHCS wishes to thank all 37 participants for their courage and commitment. We also owe many thanks to David Middleton, who designed our beautiful poster, to the Galiano merchants who donated prizes, to Linda Ruedrich, Christina Stechishin and Cathy Stephenson for the delicious hot chocolate, to Ken and Bietta Kucille for the tables and nice warming liquor, to Gord Reimer and Gordie Palmberg for the much-needed campfire, and to all the onlookers who came to lend their support.

Finally we are very grateful for all the folks who pledged and donated money in support of Health Care on Galiano Island. This year’s Polar Bear Swim was the most successful ever raising $3,315 in pledges and donations.

Article by Sylvie Beauregard