Plunging for a good cause

By Kurlis Mati and Guoliang Fu

More than 160 people chose to grin and bear the cold last Friday, plunging themselves into icy water at the fifth annual Polar Plunge Windsor-Essex.

“This year we’re hoping to raise about $60,00o,” said Adam Young, one of several police officers on hand for the fundraiser which took place in the pool outside the St. Clair College SportsPlex.

The event is hosted by Ontario Law Enforcement as part of a larger campaign to raise funds for Special Olympic athletes in the province, and Sgt. Steve Betteridge said he’s glad that Windsor Police are involved.

“The Special Olympics is law enforcement’s choice charity, the number one charity that we support,” Betteridge said.    

Participants all paid a minimum $30 fee to brave the pool’s frigid waters with some, dressed in costumes for the occasion.

The Polar Plunge Windsor-Essex has raised over $185,000 since it was launched in 2015.