It’s almost time to take the plunge.
This weekend, dozens of participants are expected to strip down to their bathing suits and jump into Kempenfelt Bay’s frigid waters — all in the name of charity.
The Barrie Police Service is set to host its annual Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. at Centennial Beach, an event which Insp. Carl Moore told BarrieToday is extremely important for local police.
This weekend’s event will mark the eighth year it has taken place, having raised just over $25,000 locally in the past two years alone — 100 per cent of which directly benefits Special Olympics Ontario athletes.
“It raises these funds … for such a worthy cause. All of these funds actually go to the programs of these athlete’s events across Ontario,” said Moore, who missed last year’s plunge as he was in Calgary with local Special Olympian Nick Cunningham for a competition. “I was able to witness him win a bronze medal in snowshoeing.”
Individuals, businesses and organizations have continued to show up year after year to take part, which helps bring both money and awareness to the worthy cause, said Moore.
“I believe there are 23,000 Special Olympics athletes right now across Ontario,” he said.
Moore and Cunningham always jump together, he said, adding the pair typically get themselves mentally prepared in advance over wings and a cold beer.
“We get pretty excited about it,” Moore said. “I think it’s supposed to be minus-13 this Saturday, so it’s going to be a lot colder than it has been in the past … but (we) get there early. We prepare, change, get ready, head to the hole … then it’s a countdown from the crowd.
"We look at each other and then we jump in. It’s usually pretty shocking getting in there!”
Cunningham says jumping is always an exciting experience.
“It is so fun. You just go in the lake and then you hope out when you’re done,” he said, admitting he feels a mix of excitement and nervousness leading up to the big jump. “It makes me feel good.”
Now part of the city’s Winterfest schedule, organizers hope Saturday's Polar Plunge will raise $20,000.
As of Friday morning, just shy to $4,000 had already been raised and 25 participants were registered. Moore said that number is expected to jump as more people continue to fund-raise or register on the day of the event.
Plungers can now register to take part online or in person on Saturday. Registration begins at noon and the plunge is schedule to begin at 1 p.m.