The 2023 Waterloo Region Polar Plunge returns in support Special Olympics Ontario.
The event takes place Saturday, March 4, from 1-3 p.m. at the Children's Safety Village in Cambridge on 200 Maple Grove Road.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service will also be taking part for another year.
"It's not just the Waterloo Region police," said Chief Mark Crowell. "Services across Canada and across Ontario are so proud to partner with the Special Olympics to raise funds. There's 26,000 athletes across Ontario, so all the funding for this initiative will go to serve those incredible athletes that raise the spirit and athleticism for the Special Olympics. We're so looking forward to coming back in full force this year."
Both Crowell and President of Caudle's Catch Seafood Ron Caudle will be taking the plunge and you'll be able to purchase bags of ice to make their dive even colder. Caudle explained why it's not the temperature that bothers him about the water.
"As long as we're not jumping in a lake or an ocean where the inhabitants know me and might attack me, I'm okay with jumping in a bin full of ice," joked Caudle.
Caudle did explain the real reason why he loves to take the plunge.
"Once you meet the [athletes] and you see what the Special Olympics means to them, you see it in their eyes, you see it in their parents' eyes, their siblings... it just grabs you."
Caudle asked that everyone come out and enjoy some food trucks, and entertainment from the Waterloo Region Police band as well as a town crier. He added that it's also an opportunity to show some pride for your city for a great cause.
"Let's get some pride in Waterloo Region. We're competing against other police services in Ontario so let's pump it up here in Waterloo Region and show them who we are."
The donations have already exceeded their goal of $25,000 with about $30,000 raised, however if you'd like to smash the goal out of the (ice cold) water, you can donate here.
