Polar bears and penguins are constantly plunging into icy waters, but for the Elks in Addison Township, it’s just a yearly thing.

Rochester-North Oakland Elks Lodge #2225 is inviting the public to attend its Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 16 as part of its Winterfest event. Doors open at 10 a.m. and plunge participants will begin diving into the frigid waters of Shadow Lake at 2 p.m. The lodge is located at 3100 Pond Rd.

Currently, the Elks only have a handful of participants, so any brave souls who wish to join in the cold, wet fun are encouraged to sign up, according to Addison resident Jason Judkins, exalted ruler of the lodge.

“We’re hoping to get more people,” he said.

The Polar Plunge is a fund-raiser for the Michigan Veterans Foundation (MVF), a nonprofit agency that works “to fill the gaps that currently exist” when it comes to providing services for the state’s veterans.

“We’d like to raise $5,000,” Judkins said.

To take the plunge, participants must either reach into their own pockets and contribute to MVF or solicit donations from others prior to the event. Lodge membership is not required to participate.

Judkins strongly believes that society needs to reach out to struggling veterans, and help get them get back on their feet.

“Someone needs to step up and help those who defended our freedoms,” he said. “It’s nice to give back to someone who’s given so much for us.”

When folks start hurling themselves into the bitterly cold lake, Judkins won’t be just sitting the sidelines. He’ll be soaked and shivering with his fellow polar plungers. This will be his third time doing it.

“It’s fun. It’s invigorating,” Judkins said. “It’s a little cold at first, but once you get out, you do feel pretty refreshed. It’s kind of like jump-starting your body.”

Judkins said he begins preparing his body for the icy shock “at least a week before” the event. He does this by shutting off the hot water toward the end of his showers.

“(For) the last couple minutes, it’s completely cold,” he said.

The idea of taking the plunge is much scarier than the reality, according to Judkins.

“It is worth it,” he said. “You really do feel better body-wise once you get out.”

In addition to the Polar Plunge, the Elks’ Winterfest will include ice fishing on Shadow Lake beginning at 10 a.m. Although the lodge has some fishing poles available, it’s recommended that folks bring their own equipment.

“We’ll probably have a prize for the biggest fish,” said Judkins, who added that a fishing license “is not required that day.”

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, all fishing license fees will be waived during the weekends of Feb. 16-17 and June 8-9 this year. All other regulations will still apply.

Beginning at noon, the Elks will host a free luncheon for approximately 50 homeless veterans from MVF. Members of the public are welcome to contribute by bringing dishes to pass and providing desserts.

Judkins noted the lodge usually opens its doors to groups of homeless veterans twice a year – once in the summer for the “Christmas in July” celebration and once in November for Thanksgiving dinner.

“They have such a great time,” he said. “We’re just looking for more ways we can engage them.”

Judkins hopes those who attend the Winterfest and Polar Plunge will consider joining the Elks. His favorite part of being a member is raising money to help children and veterans in need.

“We can actually see the good that comes from what we do and that’s nice,” he said.

For more information about Elks Lodge #2225, please visit the group’s Facebook page or call (248) 572-7118.