Polar plunge returns to Red Deer in support of Special Olympics

A popular fundraiser will be making another splash in Red Deer this Saturday.

The annual Polar Plunge is happening at the Bower Community Centre in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) in support of Special Olympics Alberta.

LETR is a group of current and former members of law enforcement consisting of member of Animal Services, RCMP, Alberta Corrections, and Calgary Police.

Polar Plunge was able to raise $18,000 last year in Alberta. Red Deer event organizer and Alberta Sheriff Brad Cotmen says they’re looking to do around the same this year.

“We know that the declining economy, it’s difficult to give what they may not have. Whenever anyone is able to donate, we obviously appreciate it. We don’t try and expect too much, but we’re usually surprised by the Red Deer community. Most of our events tend to gain quite a bit of funds for the Special Olympics, and it’s through the generosity of the citizens of Red Deer.”

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There are several Polar Plunge events across the province. Some use man-made lakes, but in Red Deer, the event will be unique.

“We use a garbage bin, line it, and then we fill it with water that morning, let it basically freeze over before we plunge. Just before we plunge, we make sure there’s no ice on top so that no one gets hurt,” says Sheriff Brad Cotmen, co-organizer for the Red Deer event.

“We have a diver in the bin with us, so if anyone gets stuck or really gets shocked by the cold the diver will assist them out. We also have paramedics on site in case of anything untoward happening. We also have a hot tub for people to jump into before they head back and get changed.” Cotmen adds.

Anyone can register for the Polar Plunge on the day of the event, saturday, February 29 at the Bower Community Centre at 10 a.m. Plunging begins at 11.

You can learn more about it and the LETR at specialolympics.ca/albertapolarplunge.