With an optimistic fundraising goal of $88,000, the Chatham-Kent Polar Plunge will take place on January 20 at the Sons of Kent Brewing Company.
The annual event raises money for the Special Olympics. Money will go towards the 2024 School Championship Games being held in Chatham-Kent next year in June, and support and benefit 23,000 Special Olympics athletes across the province through other programs and events.
Last year the Chatham Polar Plunge event raised $88,000, doubling its goal of $40,000. Chatham’s Polar Plunge fundraising total was the third highest in the province last year, trailing just Peel Region and Windsor.
The 2024 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ontario marks the seventh anniversary of this event in Chatham-Kent.
Organizer Jason Herder said there are several reasons why last year’s event was a success.
Last year’s event was the first year at Sons of Kent, and Herder said it was a good partnership, as over 1,500 people attended the event.
Last year was also the first year back in-person after the 2021 and 2022 events were online events due to COVID-19.
“Everyone was really excited to get back to it,” Herder said.
“A change of venue I think was huge for us,” Herder said about last year’s event, noting there was a lot more room for the event, and it led to a party-type atmosphere with people watching, taking part, and music being played.
“Obviously, we saw all the work (Sons of Kent) does with the community and that was one of the main driving factors for us. We wanted someone as community-focused and partnered as Sons of Kent.”
The Polar Plunge will be the premier fundraising event for the 2024 Special Olympics games being held in Chatham. Herder said with the Games being held locally, there was a decision to have an aggressive fundraising target for this year’s Polar Plunge in Chatham.
“I think with the games being here and that being the premier fundraising event for the games, I think that’s going to be the extra drive to take it over the top,” said Herder.
The event will include prizes for top fundraisers and top costumes for the plungers.
Teams and individuals who want to take a plunge in the pool and fundraise for the Special Olympics can register at www.polarplunge.ca.