Rivers police chief to be "Freezin for a Reason"
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- Published on Tuesday, February 3, 2015
By Sheila Runions
Banner Staff
The annual Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics is being co-ordinated in communities all across Canada but for the first time ever, the dunk will be held in Brandon. On Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m. approximately 50 brave souls will jump into the super cold water. One of those silly (did I say that? I meant chilly!) souls will be Bruce Klassen, Rivers Police Service chief.
“If the community can come up with $500 in sponsorship, I will agree to enter the murky cold waters (Freezin’ for a Reason),” says the chief. “To be clear, if I only am sponsored $499, I'm not getting wet!”
As an officer of the law for more than 30 years, Klassen has participated in several Law Enforcement Torch Runs (LETR), a summer fundraiser for Special Olympics. LETR is one of four sponsors for the Polar Plunge, as is Brandon Police Service, where Klassen was employed for 26 years. In addition to his connection with sponsoring companies, Klassen was also a former Special Olympics board member.
A specially-lined dumpster will be brought to the Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology at 1035 First Street North, Brandon (the north hill campus of Assiniboine Community College). Beside and above the dumpster will be a scaffold system from which plungers will heave themselves into the icy depths below. Once they’ve been soaked, they’ll dry off, change and eventually enter the campus for a reception.
The public is very welcome to attend this afternoon fundraiser and cheer on Klassen and other participants. Remember, Klassen will only take the plunge if he collects $500 in pledges; to make a donation phone him at 204-328-7430 or stop by Rivers Police Service office.
“Special Olympics is an organization that sends athletes to compete in various events, and has been sponsored by law enforcement for years,” says Klassen. “Let's show them what Rivers can do!”
Polar Plunge will accept participants over the age of 15 and everyone must sign a waiver form. The website states, “Polar Plunge is a winter fundraiser that gives brave plungers an exciting and chilly opportunity to raise both money and the profile for Special Olympics.”
For more information go to www.specialolympics.mb.ca.
