3 What is Polar plunge?
4 ST. CLAIR COLLEGE AND THE POLAR PLUNGE
5 SAFETY TIPS
6 Map/parking
7
POST-PLUNGE PARTY AND DUCK THE PLUNGE RAFFLE
CONTENTs FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO
8 Thank you to our sponsors
#FREEZINFORAREASON
Every year, the Polar Plunge unites thousands of warm-hearted individuals from all corners of the province in a fantastic endeavour to support Special Olympics Ontario. This incredible event is a dynamic platform for individuals, organizations, and businesses to contribute to a worthy cause. All proceeds generated are channeled into providing vital programming and events for the benefit of 23,000 Special Olympics athletes across Ontario. This extraordinary event is proudly presented by the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run, a passionate volunteer movement committed to increasing awareness and fundraising for Special Olympics Ontario athletes throughout the province.
Be Bold & Get Cold!
St. Clair College President Patti France has been a steadfast supporter of the Windsor-Essex Polar Plunge for the past decade. As she prepares to retire this June, she has pledged that the college will remain committed to the event even after her departure.
France was the school’s Senior Vice-President when St. Clair first partnered with the Windsor Police Service to sponsor and host this fundraiser. The college wasn’t just the venue at the outset of this partnership, but also the Plunge’s biggest single institutional supporter.
So many students, staff, faculty, and alumni “took the Plunge” each year, both individually and as part of the Student Representative Council (SRC), the Saints Student Athletic Association (SSAA), the classes of St. Clair’s law enforcement, emergency services, nursing, health care and children’s services programs, and as members of varsity athletic teams. Administrators, support staffers, and faculty members jumped annually too, as did many Alumni Association members.
Participation was so substantial that the region actually held two Plunges: one in the afternoon for all of the college’s participants, followed by an evening Plunge for other community members. (St. Clair’s Chatham campus later took up the Special Olympics cause too.)
Even after the Windsor event’s move to the downtown Aquatic Centre, St. Clair still hosts the event’s January kick-off. Police Foundations, Protection Security and Investigation, Community Justice, Border Services, and Pre-Service Firefighter students stage their “Slip ‘n’ Slide” preview on the icy outfield of the SportsPark softball diamond. At that event, the college also puts the first few dollars into the fundraising pot, with annual donations by the SRC, SSAA and Alumni Association – traditionally tallying approximately $15,000.
The Windsor-Essex Polar Plunge has captured the imagination of the entire community, and it stands as one of Canada’s most financially lucrative Polar Plunges. This event has been, and will remain, one of the best examples of the college’s spirit of community service, which is defined by President France’s simple explanation: “That’s what Saints do.”
Patti
President, St. Clair College
Plunge Day Check-in
Registration/Check-in starts at 4:30 pm and runs until 5:45 pm You MUST check-in prior to taking the plunge.
Safety Briefing
All plungers MUST take part in the safety briefing being held at 6:00 pm. Safety is our number one concer n. Scuba divers from Benthic Scuba will be in the pool as a safety precaution.
Other good to know stuff
• Parking is available in the garage east of the WIATC. Attend the post plunge party to get validated for FREE parking.
• We have onsite change facilities.
• Feel free to show your spirit with a costume or team swag, but no masks or sharp objects please.
Things to bring with you
• A change of clothes
• A towel (or 2)
• Water shoes or slides/flip flops or shoes you don’t mind getting wet. You will be taking a short stroll to and from the pool
• A bag for your wet clothes
When you plunge you will be assigned a “plunger pal” that will go to and from the pool with you. They have two main jobs – 1) to hold your stuff that you are bringing poolside (shoes, towel, etc) and 2) to ensure that you are physically okay after your dip in the pool.
The pool is 4 feet deep. Not nearly deep enough for any sort of diving and if you choose cannonball, you will likely hit the bottom.
We will warm you up with a post-plunge party at the DoubleTree By Hilton – River Room Restaurant with some food and refreshments. Reminder: Free parking validation for the garage at 275 Pitt St W if you attend. All plungers and guests are welcome.
To students who are going to St. Clair College in September 2024 OR 2025. After the plunge, remember to apply for your $500 bursary with a simple email to polarplunge@windsorpolice.ca indicating your name, current school and anticipated year of entry.
Your safety is our top priority. Before taking the plunge into the icy waters, please familiarize yourself with the following safety guidelines:
Health Check:
Ensure you are in good health before participating in the Polar Plunge. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, consult with your healthcare provider beforehand.
Proper Attire:
Wear appropriate clothing for the cold water plunge. We recommend a swimsuit or other water-resistant attire. Costumes are encouraged but should not compromise safety.
Plunge Entry:
Jump into the water feet first. Water level is approximately 4’ deep. Diving is strictly prohibited. Do not run or dive into the water to prevent injuries.
Emergency Services:
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personnel. Stay informed about weather conditions that may affect the event.
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Emergency medical services will be on-site. In case of injury or emergency, please notify event staff immediately.
Stay Informed:
Listen to announcements and follow instructions from event organizers and safety
Alcohol and Substance Use:
The use of alcohol or substances before or during the plunge is strictly prohibited. Participants under the influence will not be allowed to plunge.
Warm-up Area:
Take advantage of the heated indoor pool. Plungers will be given the opportunity use one lane of our pool which is designated as a warm-up area after the plunge to regulate your body temperature.
Post-Plunge Care:
After the plunge, dry off promptly, change into warm clothing, and seek shelter to prevent hypothermia. Hot beverages may be available to help warm up.
Respect Limits:
Know your personal limits and participate at your own comfort level. If at any point you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, please alert the event staff.
Unifor Locals 200, 444 and 2458 representing thousands of active and retired members in workplaces throughout Windsor & Essex County, are proud to support the 10th Annual Polar Plunge
Congratulations on 10 years of support to such a worthy cause.
Best of Luck to all Participants!
(Across the street from the event)
Attend the post-plunge party and get your parking validated at the attached garage.
Parking garage: 275 Pitt St. West (validation for free parking at the River Room Post Plunge Party)
DATE TIME: February 29th at 7pm
LOCATION: River Room Restaurant, 333 Riverside Drive E (in the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel)
• Enjoy free chili and 20% off all menu items!
tickets $5 each Or 3 for $10 (tickets sold at the plunge)
• Raffle prizes/tickets drawn at the Post Plunge party at the River Room
Prizes:
•Chilly Moose 35L wheeled cooler
• Chilly Moose prize pack
• Double Tree Windsor one-night hotel stay
• Best Western Plus one-night hotel stay
Snow Ball sponsor
• Windsor Police prize pack, City of Windsor Prize pack
• Windsor Aquatic Centre prize pack
• LETR Polar Plunge prize pack and much more!
is proud to support Polar Plunge for special Olympics Ontario.
Caesars Windsor Cares about giving back to the community where we call home. Through employee volunteerism, corporate donations, and annual fundraising e orts, Caesars Windsor continually focuses on supporting local organizations contributing to the care and well-being of those in need.
Atlas Tube is a proud sponsor of the 2024 Windsor-Essex Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Ontario and their mission of transforming lives through inclusive sports.
As a member of the Zekelman Industries family, Atlas Tube is deeply committed to supporting the communities where we work and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
