WILTON — The 3rd Annual Western Maine Community Action Freezin’ For a Reason Polar Plunge was held Saturday with a new twist.

WMCA opened the event to other nonprofit organizations. The partnering nonprofit that raised the most money would keep all of its pledges. The other groups would split their donations with WMCA.

WMCA’s Bill Crandall, who has taken the plunge each year said, “Danielle Flannery is the creative mind behind this event.”

Crandall wore a camouflage uniform to show support for veterans. He was also trying to raise awareness about WMCA programs available for veterans. A Home Depot Foundation grant is providing funding for WMCA veteran programs. Crandall said, “Three or four housing repair projects are underway at this time.”

Crandall said more than 2,000 households were involved in weatherization or home repair programs. WMCA’s heat pump program is available for anyone whose annual heating expenses are more than $2,500.

Crandall said the heat pump/hot water program offered through WMCA last year has saved about $50-70 per month for participating individuals. 

Western Mountain Homeless Outreach raised just over $1,000 in pledges for this year’s plunge. It raised more money than any other group and was declared the winner. United Way of the Tri-Valley Area raised $590 while Western Maine Play Museum collected $90. WMCA had brought in $772 so far, but more pledges were expected.

“All of these causes are great,” Crandall said before making his way to the boat launch. He then waded into the chilly water of Wilson Lake.

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