BY VERONICA REINER
Conestoga Students Inc. is hosting its 37th annual Polar Plunge event on Feb. 15 at 12 p.m. just outside the cafeteria at the Doon campus. Brave students can be “freezin’ for a reason” as they jump into ice cold water in support of a great cause. “All funds raised will be donated to KW Habilitation,” said CSI President Aimee Calma. The not-for-profit organization provides a wide range of individualized services and supports to children with special needs and adults with developmental disabilities.
Any students interested in participating in the Polar Plunge should pick up a pledge package from the CSI office on any campus. The students then collect donations and bring back their packages on the plunge date to qualify for prizes.
Conestoga social services student Andrew Dron recalls participating in the event in both 2016 and 2017.
“It was bloody cold! I did it in a -28 degree blizzard. They had to break the ice twice before we could jump in!”
The event always takes place in the middle of winter. It is a very chilling event indeed.
“It’s really, really cold! You lose your breath instantly, and gasp for air. Eyes are frozen and everything is blurry. But then you hear the roar of the crowd congratulating you,” said Dron. “I’d gladly do it again.”
And the prizes for just participating? “You got a Polar Plunge towel, a pin, and bragging rights in 2017,” said Dron.
Calma said, “special prizes will be awarded to participants with the best costume, greatest number of donors and the largest fan base.”
Students have the opportunity to get extra use out of their Halloween costumes by dressing up as any character they like. “I saw some interesting costumes last year,” said Jason McIntee, a second-year supply and chain operations management student. “There was Snow White, Deadpool and Alice in Wonderland all throwing themselves in the cold water. It was pretty entertaining.”
Recommended costumes include anything students would not mind getting completely soaked. Any heavy costumes or onesies are not a great idea.
St. John Ambulance volunteers watch over the event to ensure the safety of the students, and 107.5 Dave Rocks will be MCing the event. For further information, visit a CSI office or email CSI member Laura Sinclair at lsinclair@conestogac.on.ca.
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