More than 75 courageous fundraisers took the icy dive last night at York Regional Police Association and York Regional Police’s annual Polar Plunge to raise more than $24,000 for Special Olympics Ontario athletes.
The weather was a "balmy" 3C — and the water 1C — for the '70s-themed event that saw York Regional Police Association’s uniformed and civilian members take the plunge, along with seven Special Olympic athletes, while the disco music blared.
“At York Regional Police Association, we take great pride in coming together to support our community, and Polar Plunge is one of the many ways we help. Today was a great example of how we serve — in and out of uniform — and saw a great turnout while raising an impressive amount of money to support the outstanding athletes of Ontario’s Special Olympics team,” Rob O’Quinn, president of York Regional Police Association, and plunger, too, said in a news release.
Polar Plunge is a signature provincial event of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Polar Plunge participants raised donations from friends, family members, co-workers and local businesses.
Since 2015, the Ontario Polar Plunge event has raised more than $1.5 million for Special Olympics. The York Region event raised $30,000 last year.
"Special Olympics Ontario has always held a special place with the members of York Regional Police,” said Deputy Chief Jim MacSween — who took the plunge himself at last night's That '70s Night. “Every year our members brave the icy temperatures in order to raise money to support our amazing athletes.
"Special Olympics Ontario is an incredible organization that breaks down barriers and fosters inclusion and acceptance and YRP will always support them any way we can.”
Event sponsors included Armking Bulk Water, Canadian Disposal, York Region Hot Tub and Leisure, and Leslie Street Rentals.
“If you didn’t take the plunge this year, don’t worry, there’s always next,” O'Quinn challenged.
