People running into the ocean
The weather couldn’t have been finer for February with sunny skies and above-zero temperatures. Residents ages 7 to 64 took part in the event.

Press Release
(For immediate release)

Little Brook, NS – February 16, 2022: Twenty-five Clare residents braved the cold for charity by taking a dip or surfing in the ocean at Mavillette Beach Provincial Park on February 12 at the First Annual Polar Surf & Swim co-organized by the Municipality of Clare’s Recreation Services and The Good Wave Project. A total of $4,600 was raised for the Clare Food Bank.

The weather couldn’t have been finer for February with sunny skies and above-zero temperatures. Many of the participants were dressed in Valentine’s Day costumes, while others fearlessly wore their summer bathing suits. Residents ages 7 to 64 took part in the event.

“The Polar Surf & Swim got us all out of our comfort zones to help bring comfort to those in need,” noted Tori Comeau, Recreation Manager for the Municipality of Clare. “These past two years have been difficult and isolating on many. This activity allowed us to live an exciting—and very cold—moment as a group for a great cause.”

Also present at the event were surfers affiliated with The Good Wave Project, an initiative that aims to break down barriers that prevent people from participating in sport and movement at the beach. One of the project’s main focuses is to engage and give back to the community through activities such as beach clean ups, recycled art workshops, surf wellness retreats and fundraising events.

“Surfing is a new passion of mine and I’m excited to share it with our community,” said Laura Comeau, founder and CEO of The Good Wave Project. “It has been a wonderful experience collaborating with Tori from Clare Recreation on our first event. We are very humbled by everyone’s generosity.”

Next year’s Polar Surf & Swim is scheduled for February 11, 2023.

While food insecurity is a struggle in any given year, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to additional challenges for families in need. According to recent statistics from Feed Nova Scotia, one in six households in Nova Scotia is food insecure. The community of Clare is not untouched by these numbers. The Clare Food Bank accepts food, toiletries and cash donations all year round. Anyone in need of assistance is encouraged to contact the Clare Food Bank or to call 211 for more information.

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Settled in 1768 and incorporated in 1879, the Municipality of Clare is located at the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia with approximately 8,000 residents. The Municipality of Clare is the only municipality in the province that conducts business and offers services in both official languages, French and English.

People running into the ocean
Twenty-five Clare residents braved the cold at the First Annual Polar Surf & Swim at Mavillette Beach Provincial Park on February 12. A total of $4,600 was raised for the Clare Food Bank.
People Holding Surf Boards
(left to right): Beth Bonney, Ella Bonney, Chinatsu Ohashi, Laura Comeau (The Good Wave Project) and Tori Comeau (Municipality of Clare)
Person with surf board standing in the ocean
Also present at the event were surfers affiliated with The Good Wave Project, an initiative that aims to break down barriers that prevent people from participating in sport and movement at the beach.

Media Contact / Interviews:
Tori Comeau
Recreation Manager
Municipality of Clare
902-769-2031
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Amy Paradis
Communications Officer
Municipality of Clare
902-769-2031
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