The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) has reached a historic milestone, raising a record-breaking $3.2 million in support of Special Olympics Ontario athletes during the 2025–26 fiscal year.
The achievement represents a $1 million increase over the previous year’s fundraising total and marks the most successful fundraising year in Ontario LETR history.
As the official charity of choice of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, LETR Ontario unites law enforcement agencies, community partners, volunteers, and supporters from across the province in support of athletes with intellectual disabilities. This year’s total includes more than $1.2 million raised through Polar Plunge events, over $600,000 generated through the Tim Hortons Choose to Include campaign in Ontario, and significant support from Torch Runs, Provincial Games, and local fundraising initiatives held throughout the year.
“This is incredible growth, especially coming out of the pandemic,” said Cody Jansma, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ontario. “We didn’t only regain form; we have set new records year-over-year. It’s a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our amazing law enforcement partners. We are extremely fortunate to be the official charity of choice of the OACP, and the love and admiration officers from around the province have for our athletes is inspiring.”
While fundraising remains a critical component of the movement, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Torch Run Chair Chief Frank Bergen emphasized that the impact extends far beyond dollars raised.
“Although it is important to raise the critical funds needed to champion Special Olympics, the relationship between law enforcement and the athletes is equally as important,” said Bergen.
A major contributor to this year’s success was the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games in Brantford. Hosted jointly by the Brantford Police Service, the Six Nations Police Service, and the Ontario Provincial Police, the Games marked the first time in Ontario history that three law enforcement agencies partnered to host a Provincial Games.
“Ontario is the only Special Olympics program in the world that has police services host our Games, and we’ve done so every year since 1996,” said Jansma. “The Brantford Summer Games were the first time in history we had three services jointly host. I was blown away by the teamwork and collaboration from all three agencies. Everyone left their egos at the door and kept the interests of the athletes at the forefront of every decision. The end result was one of our most successful Games ever, with more than $1 million raised.”
Beyond fundraising, the Brantford Games generated more than $3.2 million in economic impact for the local community, according to the Games’ economic impact report,, demonstrating the growing influence that Special Olympics events have across Ontario.
“We pride ourselves on running world-class Games for individuals with intellectual disabilities, but they have grown substantially in size, impact, and legacy in the communities we serve,” said Jansma.
Growth was also seen at the community level, where local LETR committees continued to expand fundraising efforts and deepen their impact across Ontario.
“This isn’t a small increase over previous years. This is a one million dollar increase,” said Lisa O’Brien, Provincial Director of the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run. “We have seen more involvement overall in fundraising and participation in Torch Run events, within local communities, through volunteer engagement, and through the increase in the number of fundraising events taking place.”
One of the biggest drivers of that growth was the Polar Plunge campaign. After adapting through virtual fundraising during the pandemic, the campaign has continued to gain momentum each year since returning to in-person events.
“This year, a record-breaking 35 Polar Plunge events took place, raising $1.2 million,” said O’Brien. “That’s more than a third of the total funds raised this year. I think each year, the challenge to continue breaking these amazing records motivates everyone to do it.”
O’Brien credits much of Ontario LETR’s success to the dedication of volunteers and the strength of local partnerships.
“As community events are profiled and more local people and businesses get involved, it results in more attendance, more curiosity, and more people contributing,” she said. “The communities that have strong local support are significantly more successful at raising awareness and funds in their own backyards.”
Beyond fundraising, local Torch Run committees help support Special Olympics athletes and programs directly within their own communities.
“It is important for communities to understand that the fundraising that takes place locally is invested right back into their local community for sports and programs for local athletes,” said O’Brien. “Their time and contributions are reinvested right in their own backyard.”
Nearly 40 years after its founding in Ontario, the Law Enforcement Torch Run continues to grow not only in fundraising totals, but in its impact on athletes, communities, and the law enforcement professionals who support them.
“The bond between officer and athlete is unbreakable,” said Jansma. “Our athletes admire the brave men and women in uniform and appreciate the friendship and advocacy our Torch Runners provide 365 days a year. Conversely, our officers will always tell you they get more out of Special Olympics than Special Olympics can ever give them.”
As Ontario LETR approaches its 40th anniversary, this record-breaking year stands as a testament to a partnership built on inclusion, friendship, and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for Special Olympics athletes across the province.