General News

Second annual Polar Plunge raises $30,000 for Special Olympics

February 21, 2019   ·   0 Comments

Written By MIKE BAKER

More than 60 local residents embraced the ‘freezin’ for a reason’ mentality this past weekend, helping to raise more than $30,000 for Special Olympics Ontario in the process. 

The second-annual Shelburne Polar Plunge took place on Family Day (Feb. 18) and attracted hundreds of residents to Fiddle Park. As a part of the larger Shelbrrr Fest, the Plunge is quickly becoming a tradition in the community, with more than double the participants and a noticeable increase in the crowd at this year’s event.

Speaking to the Free Press, Cst. Jeff McLean, the primary organizer of the Plunge, said he was delighted with the way the community bought into the event once again.

“We had a lot of fun with the inaugural Polar Plunge last year, a great response from the community, so we really just wanted to ride the wave,” Cst. McLean said. “The reaction of the community this time around has been incredible. We had more than 60 plungers and, once we’re all said and done, we will have raised more than $30,000, doubling the event goal.  It’s awesome.”

Amongst the crowd of jumpers was Shelburne Mayor Wade Mills, Coun. Kyle Fegan (dressed as the Incredible Hulk), Shelburne Poilce Chief Kent Moore and even yours truly, Free Press Editor Mike Baker (dressed up as Fred Flintstone). Other costumes in attendance included plays on the cast from Disney’s Frozen, a team of Vikings and even Batman himself. The best team costume went to the cast of Frozen, dawned by the Glenbrook Grizzlies. Best Individual costume went to The Incredible Fegan, who braved the cold to paint himself green.

Another of the plungers, Dean Schroeder, was there representing the Shelburne Legion. Donned out in red and white in honour of Canada, Mr. Schroeder raised $695 and had a great time taking part.

“This was awesome,” Mr. Schroeder told the Free Press. “I decided early that I wanted to be a part of this year’s Plunge. Being out here today, seeing the crowd, seeing the people taking part, there’s a real sense of community. We know Special Olympics is a fantastic organization – it’s amazing to hear how much money the event raised this year.”

Cst. McLean was the highest individual fundraiser, with $2,765 raised, while Brad Brown, a member of the Special Olympics Dufferin team, wasn’t too far behind after collecting $2,490. His team beat out the Super Troopers, made up of local police officers, as the top fundraising team, raking in $5,255. Super Troopers managed to raise $4,240. 

As a special Family Day offering, Domino’s Pizza in Shelburne dedicated 50 percent of that night’s sales to fundraiser. Cst. McLean noted the pizzeria wrote a cheque for $2,200.

During the event, there was also a Too Chicken to Plunge raffle, where spectators were able to purchase a rubber chicken, for the opportunity to win donated prizes.  The winners for the items are as follows: 

Grand Prize – Two Lift Passes to Hockley Valley Resort: Kim Gauley – Ticket #7

Prize 1 – Law Enforcement Torch Run Watch – Jen Moore – Ticket #15

Prize 2 – Cadbury Gift Basket – Doug Walterhouse – Ticket #48

Prize 3 – Pete’s Deli $25.00 Gift Card – Rod West– Ticket #22

Prize 4 – Shelburne Police Service Prize Pack – Liz Jones – Ticket #19

All prize winners will be contacted in the coming days.  

“Phenomenal support, that’s the only way to put it,” Cst. McLean stated when asked to reflect on the event. “For our second year, to be able to say we raised $30,000 is amazing. That money will do a lot of good within the Special Olympics system. I think our entire community should be proud, this is a real accomplishment.” 



         

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