The first ever Special Olympics Polar Plunge held by the Renfrew OPP has raised over $9,000. The local OPP detachment hosted the event on March 7th, when plungers were blessed with mild weather, but the water was definitely cold. The OPP is sending out a special thank you to Renfrew County Paramedic Steve Osipenko, who stayed in the freezing water for the entire plunge to keep participants safe. The Renfrew Fire Department was on hand, making sure there was enough water in the plunge bin. Organizers say they had great community support as well, as Karras Way donated warm soup and Boston Pizza provided pizza for the volunteers. The Renfrew OPP is planning to make this an annual event. The second annual Polar Plunge will be held next year, but an official date has not yet been announced.
Photo credit: Ontario Provincial Police on Facebook
Written by: Cindy Clyne
