10th annual Polar Plunge raises $22K for Special Olympics
A record number of people braved the cold waters of Lake Minnewasta Saturday for the Polar Plunge in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Manitoba.
There were 52 participants who collectively raised over $22,500, and lead local organizer Sgt. Scott Edwards was very pleased with the response.
“We’ve been doing this now, including our two virtual years, for 10 years here in Morden, and that 50 mark has always been our goal,” he said. “To have it work out as well as it did, with this being our third time plunging into the lake and getting the numbers that we did, we’re very happy with the outcome.”
The Morden event is closing in on having raised $200,000 over the past decade.
The top team this year included police chiefs Brad Neduzak of Morden and Ryan Hunt of Winkler, who jointly brought in $4,700—with Neduzak just barely edging out Hunt in their personal challenge.
“It was nice to see some new teams, some new faces, and it’s also nice to see the familiar faces and familiar teams,” noted Edwards. “There’s been a lot of people who have done it with us now every year.
“It’s kind of doing something uncomfortable but for a great cause … it’s something out of the norm … it’s something different but exciting at the same time,” he added. “I think we’ve got big plans as well now for next year.”
Photos by Lorne Stelmach/Voice
The 10th Polar Plunge in Morden last weekend raised over $22,500 for Special Olympics, bringing the event’s total over the last decade to nearly $200,000
Daniela Morales was participating for the second time with the Access Credit Union team.
“This year was better. It wasn’t too cold … it was exciting,” she said. “We are happy to be here.”
“This is crazy … but it’s a good cause,” added teammate Marge Friesen, who was plunging for the first time. “Find a group of friends; go with a team. That makes it special.
Adell Gauthier, director of fund development for Special Olympics Manitoba, was very pleased to see the response and support.
“It’s fantastic to see how the city of Morden shows up to support this event,” she said. “Celebrating 10 years is no small feat, and seeing how it continues to grow, we are exceptionally grateful.
“The funds are extremely important to create life-changing opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities,” Gauthier added, citing the example of how nine Manitobans were on Team Canada in Turin, Italy for the Special Olympics World Winter Games last week.
“Those kinds of opportunities are made possible by events like this and the support of the donors, the sponsors and the plungers. It’s a true example of what community is and what a community can do.”
