LEWISBURG (WVVA)- It's only mid-winter, but residents have decided that it is the perfect time for an outdoor swim, or plunge rather.
The Child and Youth Advocacy Center is sponsoring their 9th annual charity event of the Polar Bear Plunge.
Locals who are up to the challenge will dive into Blue Bend, a notoriously cold body of water year round, but especially in the winter.
Each "Plunger" will gain sponsors who will donate money to the CYAC.
The CYAC is a child-focused facility-based program that encourages prosecutors, law enforcement, Child Protective Service workers, medical and mental health professionals, and victim advocates to strengthen and coordinate the community's response to child abuse.
The center is located in downtown Lewisburg and provides free refuge and counseling to any child that is allegedly involved with some form of abuse.
Last year alone, the center served over 300 children. Monica Acord, the Executive Director of the Child and Youth Advocacy Center says that statistics show that each male sex offender in the U.S. will harm an average of 117 children in their lifetime.
She says their aim is to raise awareness on the seriousness of the matter and try to combat those who harm children.
The centers mission is to end child abuse in Greenbrier, Monroe and Pocahontas Counties of West Virginia by coordinating a multidisciplinary response to child maltreatment through utilizing a team approach to investigation, prosecution, treatment and prevention.
Their annual Polar Bear Plunge allows the facility to provide free treatment to children and their families who need it.
Anyone who would like to take the plunge or donate can contact the center at 304-645-4668 or email at cyac@suddenlinkmail.com
More information about the event, as well as past years photos and videos can be found at the Greenbrier Valley Polar Bear Plunge Club facebook page at facebook.com/greenbrierpolarbear.
All spectators are welcome to watch the event on Saturday, March 10th.
