The second annual Grey Bruce OPP Polar Plunge has raised more than $10,000 for Special Olympics Ontario.
The fundraising event took place Saturday, March 7 at the arena in Shallow Lake and was co-hosted by the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police alongside the Inter Township Fire Department, Grey Bruce Paramedic Services, and Special Olympics Ontario.
Participants gathered pledges before jumping into freezing cold water as part of the annual fundraiser. Organizers say more than 20 people took part in the plunge this year, including several Special Olympics athletes, while more than 150 donors supported the event.
The fundraiser more than doubled last year’s total, which brought in about $4,000.
The event began with local Special Olympics athlete Owen Both singing the Canadian national anthem and later leading the crowd in the Special Olympics Oath. Activities also included an OPP versus Inter Township Fire Department hockey game, which ended in a win for the OPP.
Top individual fundraiser Aimee Gilchrist raised more than $1,800, while the top team, The Ice Queens, raised over $3,000.
Organizers say funds raised will support both local and provincial Special Olympics programs, helping provide sport opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.