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, set for 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 Westshore RCMP Cpl. Nancy Saggar who was her department鈥檚 team leader for the event. 

Despite the weather, Saggar and her team鈥檚 morale remained strong, doubling down on their commitment to the cause.

鈥淚 don't think you can drum up a better event to support people who have intellectual disabilities,鈥� said Saggar. 鈥淚t鈥檚 such an important event here because all the proceeds are going to helping athletes.鈥�

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 SOBC鈥檚 executive council, Manak reiterated his passion and dedication to this event. 

Having raised over $20,000 鈥� the most of any participating team 鈥� and assembling the largest delegation with 44 dippers, this year shattered every record said Manak.

鈥淚 couldn't be more proud to be here on a wet weekend jumping into the ocean for such a great cause,鈥� 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. 

鈥淚'm retiring at the end of August after 35 years in policing,鈥� said Manak. 鈥淭his is my final year, and I think that my organization鈥� 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.鈥�

For more information about SOBC or to donate, visit