Chatham-Kent residents will again take a frigid dip to raise funds for local athletes and Special Olympics Ontario.
Locally, the 7th Annual Polar Plunge fundraiser will be held on Saturday, January 20, at Sons of Kent Brewing Company in Chatham.
"The Polar Plunge will be the premiere fundraiser for the 2024 Special Olympics Ontario School Championship Games that will be coming to Chatham-Kent in June," said Chatham-Kent Police Sergeant Jason Herder.
Participants will have the choice of a daytime plunge at 2 p.m. or a plunge under the lights at 6 p.m.
The last CK Polar Plunge raised $88,500, which has been the highest amount raised locally to date. The 2023 jump also saw 150 participants take the jump, making it the third most successful fundraiser in Ontario.
The target is set at $50,000, but Herder said the goal for 2024 is to meet the number from last year or exceed it.
All funds raised will go toward supporting programs and events for 23,000 athletes across the province.
Hosting the Special Olympic Ontario School Championships doesn't come cheap, according to Herder. He said it will cost $400,000, which includes transportation, lodging, meals, and medals for about 800 athletes outside of Chatham-Kent.
Doug Hunter, a co-owner of Sons of Kent, said it was great to have the business be a part of the event.
Last year, over 1,500 people showed up throughout the plunge to “watch and have some fun and have some beers.”
"I think with the games being here, and it being the premiere fundraising drive, I think that will take us over the top," said Herder.
There are two types of registration for the event. You can pay the individual $40 registration fee or waive the registration fee by fundraising more than $100.
To participate, visit www.polarplunge.ca.
