Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Hundreds plunge into icy waters for New Year’s charity Polar Bear Dip

CP21397820
A reveller takes the plunge during the annual New Year\'s polar bear dip in Herring Cove, N.S. on Tuesday, Jan.1, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Hundreds of hardy Canadians will take the plunge into the new year today by jumping into icy waters at charity Polar Bear Dip events across the country.

Crowds of participants in the annual events, traditionally held on the first day of each new year, will be stripping down to their skivvies and taking a dip in sub-zero waters to raise money for local charities.

This year’s largest event, the Courage Polar Bear Dip, is being held in Oakville, Ont., just west of Toronto.

Since it began in 1995, the Oakville event has raised $940,000 in donations for World Vision Canada. This year, it is expected to hit the $1-million mark.

The lively event will feature participants in costumes, live music, prize draws and celebrity guests.

Similar events are being held across Canada, in several cities including Toronto and Vancouver.

News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.

Related Articles