JASON SETNYK
The second annual Cold Cases Cold Plunge returned to Cornwall’s waterfront April 18, drawing a mix of community members and local leaders willing to brave near-freezing water in support of Diversity Cornwall and Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers.
Held at the boat launch in Lamoureux Park, participants entered the St. Lawrence River, where temperatures hovered around 4.5°C, slightly warmer than last year. The event combined a physical challenge with a fundraising component, requiring participants to collect pledges or make donations in support of the two organizations.
“We’ve got some brave plungers going in the St. Lawrence today to raise funds in support of Diversity Cornwall,” said Angel McCutcheon, executive director of Diversity Cornwall. “We’re very thankful for the community support with this.”
McCutcheon said proceeds from the event go directly toward the organization’s ongoing programming. “It all goes back into our programs and services that we offer, including our calendar of events that we run every week and month,” she said., noting funds also support supplies and resources for participants.
Participation was smaller than the inaugural event, which saw more than 50 people take the plunge and raised over $8,000. This year, early estimates placed fundraising between $2,000 and $2,500, though organizers noted additional participants joined on site.
The event again partnered with Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers, with chairperson Robert Short describing their role as helping to promote the initiative and encourage participation. “We just promote it and try to help generate a bit of a buzz to get people to come and participate and hopefully do a little bit of fundraising for both organizations,” he said, adding that milder conditions made for a more accessible experience compared to last year’s frosty weather.
Several local officials took part, including Mayor Justin Towndale, MPP Nolan Quinn, Acting Chief of Police Chad Maxwell, and South Stormont Councillor Jennifer MacIsaac. “It’s two great causes wrapped into one,” Towndale said, taking the plunge again. “It’s a great way to raise funds. There’s a bit of a challenge to it, right? You have to challenge yourself to go in the water.”
For first-time participant Maxwell, the plunge was also an opportunity to demonstrate support and allyship. “To me, it means I have the ability to influence, participate, and support great causes,” he said. “I believe that everybody belongs, and this is a great community.” MacIsaac, returning for a second year, said the experience goes beyond the cold. “It’s a few minutes of discomfort, but when you’re doing it as a large group, you’re there to support one another,” she said. “That’s really what we like to do in our community.” MacIsaac noted residents from SDG, including South Stormont, could access and use these services.
The event was supported by several local partners, including the Cornwall Fire Department, which was on site to oversee safety, along with a mobile sauna for warming up and coffee provided by Starbucks Cornwall. Most participants exited after a few minutes, and no one came close to surpassing last year’s 28-minute record. While the water remained frigid, organizers pointed to the warmth of community support.
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