Ottawa officers become copsicles in icy fundraiser for Special Olympics
Ottawa police officers turned into copsicles Saturday, leaping into a massive Dumpster full of ice water at Algonquin College.
The third annual Polar Plunge benefited Special Olympics Ontario, with participants crowdsourcing sponsors to back their icy dip.
Law enforcement and others from around Ottawa shed their winter boots in favour of flip-flops as they climbed the frozen steps to the water-filled Dumpster.
“It’s always been on my bucket list to do a polar plunge,” said participant Matt Hachey.
He said he didn’t regret doing it, while simultaneously trying to reintroduce circulation to his frozen feet.
“When I hit the water, I think my heart stopped for a second.”
The -20 C temperature seemed to affect the number of participants, but there was still a steady stream launching into the tank.
Nicholas O’Connell, the top individual fundraiser, did the jump twice.
“I just knew I had to do it because I raised $1,800 for the cause,” he said.
Several top-level officers were on the scene.
As jumpers rushed out of the tank, the paramedics on standby shouted, “Don’t touch the railing!”
Soggy jumpers leaving the bin had been sticking to the frozen metal scaffolding, the same way you got your tongue stuck to a pole as a kid.
“The worst part wasn’t even the water, it was going down the metal stairs because you stick to them,” said O’Connell.
Many jumpers said the air was so cold, the water actually felt warm.
About 105 people, the most ever, had signed up for the frigid dip, raising a total of $18,967.
“If we don’t fundraise, the athletes won’t get to compete,” said Insp. John McGetrick.
The Ottawa Polar Plunge raised $20,000 last year. All of the money goes directly to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics.