Barrie Polar Plunge raises cold cash for Special Olympics

A little sunshine nearly warmed Saturday’s Polar Plunge in Barrie in support of Special Olympics Ontario.

Dozens of brave souls were at wintry Centennial Beach to test Kempenfelt Bay’s frigid water.

Irina Mejia, who was there with her two children, wore shorts.

“It’s practically summer,” she declared with a smile, while waiting to take a dip.

The mid-day Polar Plunge came as Barrie dug itself out from 15 to 20 centimetres of snow that fell on the city Friday night and Saturday morning.

“I’m just glad the temperature is up today,” said Mejia’s son, Slav Balukhtin, enjoying the sunshine.

“You really feel the difference (when the sun comes out),” added Shannon Hayden, Mejia’s daughter.

They made these comments before going into the water, and raising $775 for Special Olympics Ontario.

One of the first in the chilly water for the Polar Plunge was Barrie police Chief Rich Johnston.

“If you know anything about me, I really love the cold,” said Johnston, who went on to explain why the Polar Plunge is worth the cold experience.

“How important is this?” Johnston said. “The money raised stays local and helps our athletes. We want to support our athletes.”

All proceeds from the Polar Plunge directly benefit Special Olympics Ontario athletes such as Nick Cunningham, who recently won gold and silver medals in the 400- and 800-metre snowshoeing at a National Winter Games qualifier in Huntsville.

Cunningham and Barrie police Insp. Carl Moore have joined forces since 2016 to take the plunge.