160 local residents braved the snow, rain, and cold on Saturday to support a great cause.

Mayor Darrin Canniff and Police Chief Gary Conn were the first to brave the icy water for the 3rd annual Polar Plunge. Photo courtesy of CK Torch Run for Special Olympics, via Facebook.

Organizer Constable Jason Herder says this year’s Polar Plunge blew away their fundraising goal, bringing in more than $46,310

“Our first Polar Plunge we raised $14,400, we had 50 plungers. Our second Polar Plunge at St Clair College was 122 plungers and we raised $41,500,” Herder says. “The second our first one was done, everyone was sending me messages (asking) how can I get involved, I want to be a part of this, and we’re having that same success here in our third year.”

All proceeds support Special Olympics Ontario, with the next provincial games coming up in Waterloo in May.

“As we go around asking our local partners if they want to get involved, they hear “Special Olympics” and it’s what can we do and they’re on board the second we start asking,” Herder says. “It’s great support from our local community.”