NEWMARKET, ON – March 6, 2020 – While we’ve all been enjoying the mild winter so far, last night over 75 winter-lovers braved the cold at York Regional Police Association and York Regional Police’s annual Polar Plunge event. Together, plungers came together to raise over $24,000 to help support Special Olympics Ontario’s 25,000+ athletes.
The weather was a low of three degrees, and the water, at one degree Celsius, was welcoming to only the bravest of plungers! The disco music delivered a Thursday Night Fever, which helped warm York Regional Police Association’s uniformed and civilian members who took the plunge alongside 7 Special Olympic athletes.
“Every year our uniformed and civilian members come together with our community for the Polar Plunge, in support of Ontario’s Special Olympians,” said Rob O’Quinn, President of York Regional Police Association. “At York Regional Police Association, we take great pride in coming together to support our community, and Polar Plunge is one of the many ways we help. Today was a great example of how we serve – in and out of uniform – and saw a great turnout while raising an impressive amount of money to support the outstanding athletes of Ontario’s Special Olympics team.”
Polar Plunge participants had the honour of jumping into the icy waters by securing donations from friends, family members, co-workers and local businesses. Last year’s event raised $30,000. Since 2015, the Ontario Polar Plunge event has raised over $1.5 million for Special Olympics. Polar Plunge is a signature provincial event of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
“Special Olympics Ontario has always held a special place with the members of York Regional Police,” said Deputy Chief Jim MacSween. “Every year our members brave the icy temperatures in order to raise money to support our amazing athletes. Special Olympics Ontario is an incredible organization that breaks down barriers and fosters inclusion and acceptance and YRP will always support them any way we can.”
There were many sponsors who helped to make the event possible, including Armking Bulk Water, Canadian Disposal, York Region Hot Tub and Leisure and Leslie Street Rentals.
YRPA President Rob O’Quinn had a final thought to share with attendees: “If you didn’t take the plunge this year, don’t worry – there’s always next!”
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YRPA Media Inquiries: Erika Mieto, 905-751-5885, emieto@yrpa.ca
YRP Media Inquiries: Susan Gibbs, 905-717-8352, 5854@yrp.ca
About YPRA: As one of Canada’s leading police associations, York Regional Police Association (YRPA) represents over 2,400 uniformed officers and civilian members of York Regional Police. Established in 1971, the association is dedicated to serving the women and men who protect the York Region community. In the last five years, the association has donated over $218,000 to various charities and organizations.