First responders of Greater Victoria displayed bravery, but this time, off duty.
Unfazed by the cold morning rain, police officers, ambulance workers, military personnel, volunteers and more plunged into the frigid waters of Cadboro Bay for the Law Enforcement Torch Run Vancouver Island Polar Plunge on Feb. 16 to raise funds for Special Olympics BC (SOBC).
Huddled under tents to escape the rain, participants conversed, shared laughter, and sipped warm beverages as they braced for what was to come.
Among the crowd was West Shore RCMP Cpl. Nancy Saggar who was her departmentB次元官网网址檚 team leader for the event.
Despite the weather, Saggar and her teamB次元官网网址檚 morale remained strong, doubling down on their commitment to the cause.
B次元官网网址淚 don't think you can drum up a better event to support people who have intellectual disabilities,B次元官网网址� said Saggar. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 such an important event here because all the proceeds are going to helping athletes.B次元官网网址�
She, like many others, was participating in her first cold plunge into the ocean. For Victoria Police Chief Del Manak, however, this frigid challenge was a familiar one.
Having participated in every Polar Plunge on the Island since 2019, and sitting on SOBCB次元官网网址檚 executive council, Manak reiterated his passion and dedication to this event.
Having raised over $20,000 B次元官网网址� the most of any participating team B次元官网网址� and assembling the largest delegation with 44 dippers, this year shattered every record said Manak.
B次元官网网址淚 couldn't be more proud to be here on a wet weekend jumping into the ocean for such a great cause,B次元官网网址� said Manak.
Collectively grossing over $55,000 for special needs athletes, surpassing the original goal by more than $5,000, Manak was moved, calling this event particularly meaningful for him.
B次元官网网址淚'm retiring at the end of August after 35 years in policing,B次元官网网址� said Manak. B次元官网网址淭his is my final year, and I think that my organizationB次元官网网址� wanted to give me a good send-off and make sure they had a great turnout and raised the most amount of money that we've raised. It's amazing to see.B次元官网网址�
For more information about SOBC or to donate, visit
