The third annual Freezin' for a Reason! Polar Plunge at St. Clair College, Thames Campus in Chatham on Saturday, January 18 was a huge success.
"Our final total was $46,310," said Chatham-Kent Police Constable Jason Herder. "That is us, we are $5,000 up from last year."
That's just short of the goal of $50,000, but all of the money goes to Special Olympics Ontario.
"It's an inclusion movement for those with intellectual and physical disability to be included in sport," said Herder. "They host multiple games throughout the year, as well as the training for these athletes."
Herder said they set a new record for the number of people who took the icy cold plunge.
"We had 160 in the water, that's our highest total to date. So we had 122 total between pre-registration, and including who jumped last year, so we had already beat that with just pre-registration for this event this year. So it's our highest total for both participants and for fundraising levels."
Participants took the plunge either in the afternoon or in the evening.
"We auctioned off the mayor once again this year, which is always fun," said Herder. "And this was actually our first plunge where we had some of our local athletes also participate in the water. We were able to talk them into jumping with our Chief, and our Deputy Chief, and the mayor. So I think that was the highlight of the day."
Herder said he is already planning the 2021 event for Saturday, January 16.