SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — More than a hundred Mainers kicked off their New Year's Eve plans by participating in the Natural Resources Council of Maine's 16th annual Polar Bear Dip & Dash.
The organization holds the annual 5k and plunge into the icy waters to raise money to support its climate action projects throughout Maine, focusing on goals like reducing vehicles' carbon emissions.
The 5k race began at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland and was followed by a dip into the ocean at Willard Beach in South Portland.
"Our power is really all around us by our members around the state, and so this is an opportunity for our community to come together and to take action for climate," NRCM CEO Rebecca Sanders said.
The event has raised about $26,000, which will go toward NRCM's climate action and clean energy projects and across the state.
“There’s no better way to ring in the New Year and support climate action in Maine than to jump into the cold ocean waters off our coast," NRCM Climate & Clean Energy Director Jack Shapiro said in a news release. "It’s a rejuvenating way to start the new year and a great way to support a hopeful vision of a clean energy future that works for all Mainers.”
The nonprofit said it collaborates with communities promoting clean energy projects and efficient solutions, also advocating at the State House to advance the state’s Climate Action Plan.
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