Demkiw Top Polar Plunge Fundraiser in Record Setting Year
On Wednesday, May 3rd, Special Olympics Ontario announced the results for the 2023 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ontario campaign, and Chief Myron Demkiw has been recognized as the top individual fundraiser across the Province, raising $36,160. Chief Demkiw narrowly edged out Chief Jason Bellaire of the Windsor Police Service, who raised $35,150. Overall, the 2023 Toronto Police Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge campaign raised an impressive total of $73,156.
The in-person Polar Plunge resumed this year after a two-year hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic, and took place at Budapest Park, on February 25. Chief Demkiw led 120 brave plungers from several TPS fundraising teams into the frigid waters of Lake Ontario in -11c weather, supported by their friends and colleagues, with plungers raising funds through online donations to support the campaign.
Across the Province, the campaign saw over 2000 plungers participate, raising a grand total of $850,000.01, setting a new all-time provincial fundraising record, and far exceeding the goal of $500,000 for the 2023 campaign.
“I’m extremely proud of the members of the Toronto Police Service who raised funds and participated in the Polar Plunge, in support of Special Olympics Ontario.” said Chief Demkiw. “I think sport brings people together in harmony, and in a joyful environment, and allows people to express themselves in a meaningful way. When it comes to Special Olympics we’re helping 26,000 athletes across Ontario that are supported by this cause, and it’s incredibly impactful. To see the joy on the faces of the athletes at these events is incredibly gratifying, and we are delighted to be able support them”
To kick-off the 2023 Polar Plunge fundraising campaign in February, Chief Demkiw took a special plunge outside Scotiabank Arena, with help from Toronto Maple Leafs Mascot Carlton the Bear, and was joined by Special Olympics athlete Erica, along with SOO Mascot ‘Plungee’.
#FreezinForAReason #PlungeON
