People will be able to take an icy plunge next week, all in the name of a worthy cause.
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Brant OPP Const. Jonathan Bueckert, who is the OPP Torch Run coordinator, has organized the 2024 Polar Plunge for March 7 at 1:30 pm at North Park Collegiate in Brantford.
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Proceeds from the fundraising event will support Special Olympics Ontario.
“The Polar Plunge is the biggest fundraiser for the Law Enforcement Torch Run,” Bueckert said during a recent podcast. “Last year we raised over $850,000 in Ontario alone. We are eyeing up the $1-million mark this year.”
The event will feature a large metal bin, lined with a tarp, and filled with water by the Brantford Fire Department.
Individuals and teams secure pledges in advance of their plunge into the frigid water.
“It sounds funny that you would have to pay somebody to jump into a bin of cold water,” Bueckert said. “The goal is that they will raise money in support of Special Olympics.”
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As of Friday, March 1, the local plunge had raised $15,190, easily surpassing the $10,000 goal.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics, raising more than $74 million in Canada since its inception.
Proceeds help enable athletes with developmental challenges to participate in Special Olympics events at the regional, national, and international level.
Community partners are also being sought for the Polar Plunge.
Any business or person who wishes to contribute can donate by cash or check, made payable to Ontario Special Olympics on the day of the event.
Individuals or teams who would like to register to take the plunge should visit soopolarplunge.crowdchange.ca/54163
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