“Yes, it’s that time of year again – in what’s become an instant classic – Michael Campbell, Ozzie Jurock, former BC Premier Gordon Campbell and friends are back for another polar plunge on behalf of the individuals and families of Special Olympics. And they’re doing it with a wrinkle – okay it’s just a rumour that lederhosen will be involved. Let that visual sink in for a moment…on second thought, don’t.”
~ Barnyard Monthly

Let me set the record straight. Yes, the Guinness Book of Records calls me “The World’s Biggest Cold Water Wimp”, but this year I’ve promised Ozzie and Gord that I’m going to cut down on the tears – but I’m not making any promises on the whimpering. Truth be told it’s already too late. The countdown for the plunge is just 10 days away on March 1^st and I think we all know that whining is just a hop, skip and jump to full scale whimpering.

But as Ozzie says, while it’s exasperating, it’s worth putting up with what he calls my histrionics for a great cause. (I call it my enthusiasm).

Especially given that too often children and adults with intellectual disabilities like Down Syndrome, autism and Fragile X are the forgotten people in our neighbourhoods and communities.

But it’s more than that. Too often people with intellectual disabilities live in isolation and  Special Olympics provides the only connection to the community at large for many of them.  It’s where they make friends.

As one of our athletes, David said, “Before I became involved with Special Olympics, I didn’t feel I belonged anywhere. With Special Olympics I finally met a group of folks who accepted me. I no longer felt on the outside.”

It’s not often we can change people’s lives, bring such joy and help create friendships where none existed before.

My wish – if everyone who listens to MoneyTalks and follows us on social media donates just $25 (or more) we’ll make a massive difference.  Most people don’t see it as their problem, so they don’t get around to it, but my experience is that many in the MoneyTalks audience are different and will take the opportunity to help this group of wonderful and deserving people.

By the way you get a tax receipt – so for most of us the cost of $25 donation is only just $17 after the tax deduction. For $100 it’s only $67.

To donate just go to moneytalksplunge.com – please take a moment – it takes only a minute to help improve the lives of some very special people.

Thanks, I really appreciate the help.

Mike