Despite the bitter cold, Bronxites still enjoyed a day at the beach this winter season. For the fifth year in a row, the Bronx Polar Bears, BronxNet and BronxWorks took the plunge on Saturday, February 9 at Orchard Beach for the 2019 Dip Against Homelessness. The icy event raised awareness and collected donations for homeless services.
![](/assets/photos/2019/7/07-a-polar-2019-02-15-bx01_z.jpg)
Carlota Wjonar and Erick Lipkind got into character at this year’s plunge.
Photo by Fernando Justiniano
![](/assets/photos/2019/7/07-a-polar-2019-02-15-bx02_z.jpg)
Val Rich (l) and Michael Max Knobbe, BronxNet executive director, started the plunge in style!
Photo by Fernando Justiniano
![](/assets/photos/2019/7/07-a-polar-2019-02-15-bx03_z.jpg)
(l-r) Event veterans Valdis Freimanis, Inese Leimule and Val Rich were eager for this year’s plunge.
Photo by Fernando Justiniano
![](/assets/photos/2019/7/07-a-polar-2019-02-15-bx04_z.jpg)
Coney Island Polar Bear Club’s Abiodun Bello enjoyed the “refreshing water.”
Photo by Fernando Justiniano
![](/assets/photos/2019/7/07-a-polar-2019-02-15-bx05_z.jpg)
The RWB Team showed support of the veterans.
Photo by Fernando Justiniano
![](/assets/photos/2019/7/07-a-polar-2019-02-15-bx07_z.jpg)
Bronxites came out in force to take the plunge.
Photo by Fernando Justiniano