TURKEY POINT – It was a wet Saturday, both in the rough waters of Turkey Point where more than 40 people plunged under the waves to support Special Olympics, and on the shore where another 50 people cheered them on in a chilly drizzle.
But the water was actually warmer – at about 34-degree Celsius versus the 4-degrees Celsius on land.
“I’ve learned if you go in with work pants on, it’s even worse when you get out,” said Ontario Provincial Police Const. Adam Gilbert, who was awaiting his dunking while wearing a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops.
“I’ve got some nice warm towels waiting and will get a hot coffee right afterwards.”
Gilbert and his OPP colleagues Simone Roesink and Avery Jacobson, were honoring their fallen co-worker Const. Greg Pierzchala, who was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 27 near Hagersville.
Others were using the annual Polar Plunge to raise thousands for Special Olympics Ontario and the local Simcoe organization, including special Olympian Taylor Bennett who removed her medals long enough to run into Lake Erie with organizer Const. Jeremy Renton managed to beat him back to shore.
The event also attracted other well-known plungers, including OPP Superintendent Dana Earley, from London, who ran into the cold waters for the first time, saying she didn’t mind “freezin’ for a good reason” and Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady.
“It wasn’t as bad as I anticipated,” said Brady, “although, as I was coming to shore I couldn’t feel my legacy. It’s a good cause, people are so happy to be here and I think I might do it again.”
Renton said at least $12,000 was raised by the 45 plungers, who came from the ranks of police, firefighters, paramedics and the general public.
“It was crisp, the plungers were awesome, we had great donations and you couldn’t ask for a better crowd.”
@EXPSGamble
Bobbi Anne Brady fully supported the polar plunge for Special Olympics this morning by submerging into 34-degree waters in Turkey Point where the air temperature was 4-degrees. pic.twitter.com/BfBro11Z34 — Susan Gamble (@EXPSGamble) March 25, 2023