A plunge into frigid water helped officers raise $5K for N.L. Special Olympians

The Newfoundland and Labrador Law Enforcement Torch Run marked its 10th year of making officers take the plunge into frigid water, all in an effort to raise money for the Newfoundland and Labrador's Special Olympians.

On Sunday, at the Rotary Sunshine Park in St. John's, 30 officers from nine agencies — including the RCMP and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary — registered for the event.

Among the participants were officers from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the RCMP.

"I think, mentally, going into the water is the hardest part," said Lynette Wells, the fundraiser's director and a campus enforcement and patrol officer. "But once you do it, it's very refreshing."

As the clock struck noon, the officers and their family members marched toward the pond in their uniforms and coats. Although the temperature hovered around 3 C, the weather showed some mercy to the participants as the clouds gave way to the sun.

Officers registering for the cold plunge also donate to the Special Olympics. Wells said the effort raised $5,000.

"The money we raise stays here in the province so [the Special Olympics athletes] can compete in sport and they can participate in their programs," she said. "So the money is going to a very, very good cause."

Selina Mixer, a Special Olympics athlete, decided to take the plunge, too.

Although she had a taste of the cold water last year, she says she still feels nervous and excited this time around.

She also helped raise money. Last year she raised $686.

"I went door to door all by myself," she said. "I raised $796 this year."

At the pond, the officers divided into groups based on their agencies. With a countdown from three and encouraging cheers, they made a run toward the water.

This year marked RNC Const. Nadia Churchill's third time taking the plunge. 

"Heads under," Churchill shouted as the group sprinted into the water and fully submerged. 

Churchill, her uniform soaked to her shivering bones, quickly wrapped herself in a towel and headed toward her cheering daughters Maggie, 9, and Clara, 7.

"I don't think there's any amount of preparation you can do to prepare yourself for the cold. But afterwards it is very refreshing and you're just really happy with yourself that you did it," she said.

"It was actually not as bad as I thought it was going to be."

Not long after, Mixer had her turn to face the cold water. As the other officers ran in, she took the plunge step by step until she too was completely soaked.

"It was awesome," she said, giving high-fives to officers on her way out of the water.

"Now, we're going to go and have hot chocolate."

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