Sub-zero temperatures and a fresh blanket of snow and ice wasn't enough to deter 100 brave souls from taking part in the eleventh annual Windsor-Essex Polar Plunge Campaign Launch, hosted at St. Clair College's softball complex on Jan. 15 in support of the Special Olympics.
"It was really cold," remarked Kyle Deslippe, a second-year student in the Protection, Security and Investigations program at St. Clair College.
About 100 students from Protection, Security and Investigation, Police Foundations, Border Services, Community & Justice Services, Paramedic, and Pre-Service Firefighting programs slipped and slid across the frosty softball diamond in the name of a good cause.
"It was good to see all the donations, see everybody that came out today, just seeing how everybody contributed to the cause what we're going for," Deslippe said. "Part of our program is to give back to the community and raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics."
The St. Clair College Alumni Association contributed $10,000 during Wednesday's event, with the Saints Student Athletic Association and Student Representative Council each cutting cheques for $3,000.
"We are very proud to be part of this initiative," said St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi. "As a community college, we make it a priority to give back and that is something that we, as Saints, will never forget. It's what we always strive to do."
Over the past decade of hosting the Polar Plunge, Windsor Police has raised $500,000 towards the Special Olympics.
Special Olympics Ontario provides individuals with an intellectual disability in communities across the province the opportunity to participate in sport and recreational activities. Windsor-Essex has 120 athletes who compete in Special Olympics programs.
"The staff, the student body and the culture at St. Clair College supports events that might be easy for some people to not notice at times but is important to amplify within our community so that these young athletes can be supported and aspire to something bigger," said Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire. "The money raised through Polar Plunge helps people with intellectual disabilities discover new skills and abilities to support these athletes, to find confidence, fulfillment and joy on the playing field and in life."
Prior to the event, President Silvaggi offered words of encouragement to the participating students, noting hiding from the cold wouldn't be an option.
"I'd say, stay warm, but that's not why you're here," Silvaggi joked. "So, enjoy yourself and have fun."
The event serves as a primer for the main Polar Plunge, which will be hosted at the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre on Feb. 28.
That's when first responders will have their turn to submerge into the sub-zero temperatures of a chilly pool.
"I won't be alone. I'll have my good friends that I do it with every year, my colleagues from Windsor Police," said Chief Bellaire, who also thanks other policing agencies, firefighters, border guards and paramedics who came out in support.
According to Bellaire, the fundraising goal for 2025 is $80,000.
