Over 100 Chatham-Kent residents will dive into a pool of freezing cold water for a good cause this Saturday, January 17.
The ninth annual Polar Plunge will take place at Sons of Kent Brewing in Chatham at 1 p.m.
In 2025, over $63,000 was raised, but organizers are aiming higher this year.
"We set a pretty high expectation, hoping to hit the $75,000 mark," Sergeant Jason Herder. "At the end of the day, whether it was $500 or $40,000, whatever we raise, it goes to such a great organization, and it's a great community event."
All the money raised goes to Special Olympics Ontario. It helps athletes with intellectual disabilities across the province train, compete, and shine.
"There's 24,000 Special Olympic athletes across a province, and every dollar we raise goes right back to them. So it's an amazing cause," said Herder. "We're impacting our local athletes, were impacting athletes across the province who are getting ready right now for the national games in Alberta this August. If they're successful there, they're going to be heading to International games."
Registration opens at 11 a.m., and costumes are encouraged. The cost to register is $40, but the fee is waived if at least $40 is raised.
You can register in advance or make a donation online at https://soopolarplunge.crowdchange.ca/127781.
