The 2020 Polar Plunge promises be a night ripped from a 1970s disco floor and you are invited to get your ‘super freak’ on in Rick James style and register for the cold splash in support of Special Olympics Ontario and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
This year’s theme is That ‘70s Night, and for the fourth year in a row, the York Regional Police Association is hosting the event at its 600 Stonehaven Rd. location in Newmarket.
The plunge will be held Thursday, March 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. Registration begins at 6 p.m. and you are encouraged to register your fundraising page, donate, or dare a friend here.
Live music, prizes, raffles, and more are all on tap for the evening.
Participants secure donations from friends, family members, co-workers, local business or their community for the signature provincial event of the Law Enforcement Torch Run that benefits Special Olympics Ontario.
The Polar Plunge annually brings out good sports willing to jump into the icy waters of a nearby lake, pool, bin or another cold body of water.
“Last year, the York police association raised $30,000 dollars for Special Olympics Ontario as part of provincewide Polar Plunges that have raised over $1.5 million and benefited over 25,000 athletes throughout the past five years,” said Alex Moore, on behalf of the association.
The 2020 fundraising goal is $600,000 and, so far, $261,000 has been raised.
The not-for-profit organization has for more than five decades helped fund various sports programs for people with intellectual disabilities that promote respect, acceptance, and inclusion locally as well as around the world.
Here’s what you need to know to take the plunge:
- The plunge is scheduled for Thursday, March 5 at the York Regional Police Association building, 600 Stonehaven Rd. Registration begins at 6 p.m. Then get ready for a 7 p.m. plunge
- Participants can pay $75 or fundraise $150 to waive the registration fee
- Registered Special Olympics Ontario athletes and volunteers pay $25 or raise $75 to waive the registration fee
- Every plunger will get a free fleece-lined buff
- The top fundraiser in the province will be awarded tickets to a Leafs Alumni box at an upcoming game in the 2020-2021 season
- The highest fundraiser prize will soon be announced
- If you raise $200, you will receive a Polar Plunge waterproof pouch; $400 raised will get you the pouch plus a Polar Plunge scarf; and if you raise $1,000-plus, you will receive all the above prizes plus a 30 oz. Yeti thermal cup
Tips for polar plungers:
- Wear your plunge costume under your outfit so you won’t have to worry about changing and will stay warm while you wait
- Carpool. Parking can be crowded, so come as a group, or take advantage of plunge shuttle services, if available
- Invite friends to watch, take photos, and pass dry clothes to after the event. There are restrooms/changing areas for your use.
- Leave yourself plenty of time to make it to the plunge location and get registered
- Make a fun and unique costume to plunge in the theme of a Hawaiian beach luau
- This is a family event, so be sure costumes are appropriate and do not cover the nose and mouth
- Be sure to share photos, videos, or YouTube links
- Proceed directly to the registration area when you arrive to grab your free registration gift and any cool incentive prizes for which you may be eligible
- Be sure to hand in any offline pledges/donations you have received
- Trained dive team and EMS are at each plunge for assistance
- Wave/plunge times will be assigned for each team/individual so confirm at registration
- Do not dive into the water. This is a safety precaution for all plungers that is strictly enforced by the dive team
- Do not run out of the water after you plunge as everything is wet and slippery
- Be careful on your way to the changing area, showers, pool, or hot tub, depending on the site. Intoxicated people will not be permitted to plunge.
For more information and to get involved, visit here.
Polar Plunge 2019 sponsors include York Regional Police Association, Leslie Street Rentals, Canadian Disposal, York Region Hot Tub and Leisure and Armking Bulk Water.
