Cold for a cause: Over $30K raised by 2023 Polar Plunge

The water may have been chilly, but the weather was sunny skies for the 2023 Polar Plunge in Regina.

The annual fundraising event, in support of Special Olympics Saskatchewan, ran on Saturday in the heart of Regina’s downtown.

Over 90 divers plunged into the freezing cold water at Victoria Park to raise money for athletes across Saskatchewan with intellectual disabilities.

“It’s important because, just to get knowledge of Special Olympics, people can donate and help out,” Tyler Haddad, a hockey player in the special olympics told CTV News.

This year’s iteration raised $37,731 for the cause as of Feb. 11, far exceeding its goal. 

“Our goal was to raise $20,000; we’ve already smashed that fundraising goal," Victoria Lacelle, a spokesperson for Saskatchewan Special Olympics, told CTV News. "As at right now we are at $37,000, so by the time we finish today, we will double our goal and reach $40,000 for our programs.”

The 7th annual plunge was officially part of Regina’s Frost Festival and featured notable plungers such as members of the Saskatchewan RCMP, Regina Police Service and SGI.

Saskatchewan Roughriders Dan Clark and Logan Ferland also repped the green and white before taking the plunge.

For participants like Harris Khan, the experience was one he won't soon forget.

“After diving in freezing cold water for a few seconds, I was literally frozen … But the overall experience was great," Khan said.

"The biggest thing is it’s for a great cause, that’s more significant.”