By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
LaSalle was freezin’ for a reason at the first Polar Plunge hosted by the LaSalle Police Service.
Over 140 participants took part in the bone chilling event making a splash to support Special Olympics Ontario by raising over $50,000.
First into the pool was LaSalle Police chief Michael Pierce, who said the initial goal of the service was to raise $10,000.
“I have to say this is overwhelming, I’m blown away with the support of the community,” said Pierce.
He challenged the crowd of participants to raise extra funds by staying in the pool himself for a whole minute.
All proceeds are used to help provide programming for Special Olympics Ontario with most of the proceeds staying local. LaSalle Police Service is planning to make this an annual event.
“I think I’m going to be cold real soon,” joked LaSalle mayor Crystal Meloche, minutes before she was the second person to make the icy jump. “This is really exciting for us and the community of LaSalle. Things have warmed up slightly today…however, I’m not sure that’s going to make a difference.”
A number of teams and organizations took part in the event, including players from the LaSalle Vipers Jr. B hockey squad.
Jake Windbiel, goaltender with the Vipers has taken part in similar events in his hometown of Chicago.
“I actually jumped twice,” he laughed. “The first time wasn’t that bad…the second time was a lot worse.”
Graduating secondary school students currently enrolled in a program at St. Clair College that participated in the jump will receive a $500 bursary from the college.
Mayor Meloche says that although there is also a Polar Splash held in Windsor, they wanted to do a similar event and make it their own.
“Not everyone can make the other event, so we decided to organize our own event for residents. It’s in your own backyard now…so there are no excuses not to take part.” she laughed.
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