PAULATUK - Paulatuk residents shelled out hundreds of dollars to see a few of their respected community members swim in frigid Arctic waters last weekend.

A group of Paulatuk residents took a dip in the Beaufort Sea last weekend in memory of Terry Fox. From left, community counsellor Kathryn Boyd, nurse Bryan Schultz, nurse Stephen Vaughan, Asaph Schultz, school principal Jessica Schmidt, Evangelina Schultz, teacher Kirsten Fleuty, teacher Jeff Baxter and Grade 11 student Dustin Gordon-Ruben. - photo courtesy of Jessica Schmidt

The Beaufort Delta coastal community of about 300 raised more than $700 for cancer research after local nurses hatched a plan to organize a polar bear dip in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. Nine residents braved the icy sea on Oct. 9, when the air temperature hovered around 1 C and the water temperature was estimated at 3 C.

One of the most reluctant among them was Angik School principal Jessica Schmidt, who agreed to participate only if the community could raise $500, which she didn't expect to happen. People immediately opened their wallets and collected well over that amount in a few hours. Still more continued to donate while they waited on the beach, towels in hand, cheering on the group splashing through the water.

Stephen Vaughan, a nurse at Paulatuk's health centre, wasn't fazed at all by the idea of an early-winter polar bear dip in the Arctic. He's done it eight times off the coast of Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok.

"It was cold, but enjoyable," he said, estimating more than 30 spectators came down to the beach.

"I was used to it, but I think everyone else was apprehensive and a little bit frigid about it, but once we counted down from 10, people just seemed to run in and not think about it. I think that was the best thing for people to do – not actually think about it."

Earlier in the week, the community watched with great anticipation as mayor Ray Ruben shaved off the moustache he had been cultivating for more than 30 years as his own personal contribution to the Terry Fox Foundation. He raised $286, putting the community's total amount fundraised close to $1,000.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.