Canada’s biggest-ever charity Polar Bear Dip takes place on New Year’s Day

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Highlights:

The Dip is expected to raise $120,000 this year for World Vision water projects in Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq.
(December 04, 2018)
WHAT: The Courage Polar Bear Dip, the largest and the longest-running charity event of its kind in Canada, will take place on New Year’s Day in Oakville and will aim to raise over $120,000 in funds for World Vision’s clean water initiatives.

WHERE: Coronation Park, Oakville (1426 Lakeshore Rd. W.)
 
WHEN: Tuesday, January 1, 2019, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., with the dip itself taking place at 2 p.m.
 
DETAILS: On Tuesday, January 1, 2019, thousands of daring dippers and spectators will converge on Coronation Park, Oakville, for the 34th annual Courage Polar Bear Dip for World Vision. Once again, the Courage Brothers – Todd and Trent – will partner with World Vision to bring in the New Year with the annual splash in the near-freezing waters of Lake Ontario.
 
The Courage Polar Bear Dip for World Vision is a fundraising event to which jumpers pledge $25 or more for the privilege of plunging into the cold waters. Since partnering with World Vision in 1995, the event has helped raise over $1.7 million and welcomed over 10,000 jumpers.

The Courage Polar Bear Dip is open to dippers of all ages and organizers have planned events aimed to entertain the entire family. In addition to live music, food stations and non-stop entertainment, participants can look forward to a costume contest, with prizes for the most imaginative attire.

World Vision is the largest non-governmental provider of clean water in the developing world, providing a new person with clean water every 10 seconds. Since 2015, World Vision has provided access to clean water to more than 2.3 million people for consumption and sanitation. World Vision’s clean water initiatives have helped save the lives of thousands of children from water-related diseases caused by contaminated water, poor sanitation and lack of hygiene.

Whether an intrepid jumper or an enthusiastic spectator, all are welcome to take part in this worthy cause.


FAST FACTS:
  • The Courage Polar Bear Dip for World Vision is the largest charity dip in Canada
  • The Dip is expected to raise $120,000 this year for World Vision water projects in Africa
  • Overall fundraising since 1995 is $1.7 million

MORE INFO:
Courage Polar Bear Dip photos: HERE
Web links: polarbeardip.ca
Social media: @PolarBearDip; #PolarBearDip  
 
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE:
Todd and Trent Courage, Polar Bear Dip founders

 
FOR MEDIA:
Please note the WV Press Office will be on-site to assist media with interview or filming requests during the event.