While the money keeps rolling in, top fundraisers were crowned during the Vancouver Island Polar Plunge for Special Olympics B.C. Feb. 18 at Cadboro-Gyro Park.
Joined by support staff, philanthropic residents and several Special Olympics BC (SOBC) athletes, the #Plunge4SOBC raises vital funds to help rebuild the empowering year-round sport and health programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
“We had an amazing turnout this year with 200 plungers and approximately 300 spectators,” said Sheri Lucas, a retired Oak Bay police officer, organizer and participant.
RELATED: Saanich icy dip raises cash to keep Island Special Olympians in sports
To date, the event has raised $40,000 and expects to hit its goal of $60,000, Lucas said. She was among those who organized the inaugural plunge in 2018. It’s among the Law Enforcement Torch Run events that raise funds for SOBC.
Another amazing @sobcsociety polar plunge at beautiful Gyro park-beach @saanich! Rushing into the frigid waters alongside many @SaanichPolice @SaanichPD_RCsts and councillor @ColinPlant2022 in support of dedicated & passionate athletes in our community and province made my day🙏 pic.twitter.com/HZe20debbb
— Dean Duthie (@ChiefDuthie) February 18, 2024
The leading solo fundraiser is also a local SOBC athlete and advocate. Sheenagh Morrison first fell in love with swimming as a Special Olympics BC athlete more than two decades ago. Longtime supporters aren’t surprised Morrison lapped the competition, finishing atop the heap in solo fundraisers for the event with more than $5,000.
The VicPD Royal Plungers were the top team fundraisers, bringing in more than $13,000.
Anyone can take part in a virtual dip to raise funds for the program now through March 5. Visit specialolympics.ca/polar-plunge-special-olympics-bc for details.
READ ALSO: Polar plungers raise beyond $20,000 for Special Olympics BC
