A dip in the lake

Taking the plunge

Over two dozen participants braved the icy waters of Lake Minnewasta Saturday for the annual Polar Plunge.

The 28 plungers collectively raised close to $18,000 for Special Olympics Manitoba, and a representative of the organization sang Morden’s praises for the strong support.

“It’s a great amount of money,” said Adell Gauthier, director of fund development with Special Olympics Manitoba. “Morden is our frontrunner at the moment for sure, and that is often the case.”

This was the eighth year that people were “freezin’ for a reason” in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special O.

The Morden plunge has raised close to $170,000 since its start in 2015. It is one of four such events held throughout Manitoba each year.

Kara-Jean Miller of Portage la Prairie is now a seasoned pro at it, having done the plunge about 20 times. She a she’s raised more than $20,000 in donations over the years.

Her motivation is a brother who is a Special Olympian, and she was excited to be coming to Morden for the first time.

“I thought I would come out and come try something a little different and plunge into the lake,” she said, calling it a different sensation from the tanks used at other events.

“It’s just pretty much a big shock. It’s well worth it though,” she said. “I also do it because I love seeing how the Special Olympians faces are so happy we’re representing them and helping them.”

Candace Collins was part of a team of five participants from Access Credit Union.

“We were told it will take our breath away. It will be a shock, but it will be worth it. It will be exhilarating,” Collins said shortly before jumping into the lake. “I think it’s cool to be able to do it here at the lake for sure.”

Access Credit Union is also a provincial sponsor for the Polar Plunge, and they presented a donation of $7,500 for the cause.

“We’re just thrilled to be able to give back to our community, and one of the areas we love to support is sports and recreation and wellness,” Collins said.

Gauthier said the Morden-Winkler area in general has been a strong supporter of Special Olympics.

“We are absolutely amazed and so grateful for the support that we have from the Morden Police Service and this incredible community,” she said. “Each year they impress us with the group they are able to bring out.

“Their efforts allow us to be able to provide sport programs to adults with intellectual disabilities,” Gauthier said. “And there’s an incredible amount of support in this central region. We wouldn’t be able to provide the programs that we do without all of the volunteers, the coaches and the fundraising efforts like we saw here today.”