Ottawa Police Polar Plunge Exceeds Fundraising Goal with $60,000 for Special Olympics
On a brisk Saturday in February, hundreds of Ottawans gathered to brave freezing waters for a charitable cause, as the Ottawa Police Service hosted its annual Polar Plunge event. The fundraiser, held for the first time at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, successfully raised over $60,000 to support Special Olympics Ontario and its athletes and families across the province.
Exceeding Expectations in Fundraising
The event had an initial goal of $50,000, but organizers proudly announced that they surpassed this target. "Our goal was $50,000, and we raised more than that. On top of that, we're number one out of all the police services in the province," said Megan Arbuthnot, lead planner of the event. By 1 p.m. on Saturday, the plunge had raised approximately $56,730, with an additional $5,000 expected from the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation, bringing the total to slightly more than $60,000.
Record Participation and Community Involvement
Around 235 people registered for the event, including 35 teams, marking the highest turnout in the event's history. Participants included police leadership such as Chief Eric Stubbs, Deputy Chief Trish Ferguson, and Supt. Julie Mann, along with new recruits and senior officers. The community spirit extended beyond law enforcement, with staff from non-profit organizations, charities like the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation, and students and faculty from the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Glebe Collegiate Institute joining in.
New Venue and Partnerships Enhance Experience
The move to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino provided a significant upgrade for participants. "The new partnership has been wonderful since the start. There's a ton of indoor space for us to have everybody. Everybody's going to be a little bit warmer this year and just a little bit happier, and it allows us to invite more people to attend," Arbuthnot explained. Additional sponsorships, such as from Insomnia Cookies, which offered warm cookies to all plungers, added to the positive atmosphere.
Friendly Competition and Community Support
The event also featured a friendly rivalry between the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Ottawa and its counterpart in London, Ontario, challenging each other to raise more funds for charity. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe praised the new partnership in his opening remarks, highlighting the venue's contributions to the local economy and community causes. "Let's hear it for the team at the Hard Rock for not just our host today, but such an important part of our community now," Sutcliffe said.
The Polar Plunge continues to be a key fundraiser for Special Olympics Ontario, demonstrating strong community engagement and support for athletes with intellectual disabilities. With record-breaking participation and funds raised, this year's event sets a high bar for future initiatives.
