Polar Plunge a chilly success in South Surrey

The Family Day long weekend in B.C. was a cold one for several Surrey RCMP officers – but for a good cause.

Several Surrey RCMP officers, along with sheriffs, Special Olympics BC athletes, Surrey firefighters, bylaw workers and others, took an icy dip in the ocean off Crescent Beach in South Surrey on Saturday (Feb. 17) as part of the RCMP's annual fundraiser in support of Special Olympics BC, the 2024 Polar Plunge.

"It was cold!" said Surrey RCMP Const. Parmbir Kahlon, who braved the chilly waters twice at the event.

"The second time in, it was a bit harder," he quipped via phone Tuesday.

He said so far, nearly $7,000 has been raised, which goes toward life-changing, year-round programming offered by Special Olympics BC in more than 50 communities around the province,

"What Special Olympics BC does is, it helps empower year-round sport, youth and health programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities," he explained, noting it's his second year participating in the event.

The event, which Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue – Station 5 (RCMSAR5) attended as well, was one of many such fundraisers being held in B.C. until March 3.

If someone missed the Saturday even in South Surrey, Kahlon noted they can still participate.

"We encourage everyone to continue to donate – this campaign runs from Feb. 17 to March 3," he said.

"There's different polar plunge events happening across the province, so if they weren't able to attend this one or donate to this one, I highly encourage them to maybe attend a different one in person. You're more than welcome to participate as well as donate."

People can donate to the Surrey Polar Plunge online or find out more on the website.