This year’s Ontario Polar Plunge exceeded its fundraising goal, amassing over $100,000 to support Special Olympic athletes, a significant leap from last year’s sum of $73,406.
Held at the Tribute Communities Centre on Tuesday, March 19, the event saw participants braving icy waters to bolster donations for Special Olympic athletes.
The Durham Regional Police Service’s “Freezin’ for a Reason” initiative contributed $25,000 to the charity, which, combined with other donations, met the organization’s funding target.
According to Kirsten Edgerton, a Polar Plunge Ontario committee member, the organization has so far raised $110,000.
The Polar Plunge is a fundraising event organized by law enforcement and is the most significant source of income for the Special Olympics. Special Olympic focuses on empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports.
According to Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw, all funds raised by the plungers are forwarded to the organization to give them the necessities needed to provide year-round training and services to thousands of athletes with special needs.
Demkiw says the fundraiser is very dear to him. He said this year’s event was a great way to bring people and the community together to help “support people with intellectual disabilities through sports.”
He said Polar Plunges taking place across Ontario support over “23,000 athletes who participate in the Special Olympics.” He also thanked the participants, volunteers, and both private and corporate sponsors for surpassing the fundraising targets.
“While we are well over … our goal, we are hoping that before registration closes, we have … more financial support,” he said.
Toronto Public Safety Unit Officer Matt McMillan was one of the many participants who chose to dive into the cold pool of water. “It’s a great team event for us to contribute as a group as well,” said McMillan. “Our boss oversees the program from our end, so we’re happy to show our support and do it all together. It makes bearing the cold that much easier.”
McMillan, who previously partook in the event last year, said he was looking forward to jumping again.
“We’re looking to have some fun. Get in, get out, dry off, and have a nice warm coffee after to get rid of the shivers.”
As of April, the Polar Plunge Canada has collected over $900,000 in donations, closely reaching a milestone of $1 million.