Habitat for Humanity Toronto supporters dive into the New Year

Dippers hope to raise $25,000 for families living in need at Toronto's official Polar Bear Dip

TORONTO, Dec. 29 /CNW/ -

What:	Hundreds of Torontonians will gather to ring in the New Year with a splash at the 6^th Annual New Years Day Polar Bear Dip in support of Habitat for Humanity Toronto. 'Dippers' will dive into Lake Ontario at Sunnyside Park on Saturday January 1^st 2011. Participants and onlookers will enjoy live music and hot beverages to warm themselves up from Toronto's bitter climate. Participants are collecting pledges to raise funds and awareness of the organization. Prizes will then be awarded to the top fundraisers. Since this event's first year, with the generous support of countless individuals and companies, nearly $55,000 has been raised for Habitat for Humanity Toronto. The money raised for the New Years Day Polar Bear Dip will help 'give a hand up, not a hand out' to hundreds of men, women and children living in substandard housing.
Who:	Over 300 dippers from all walks of life are anticipated to participate in the 2011 New Year's Day Polar Bear Dip.
When:	Saturday January 1^st 2011, 12:00 p.m.
Where:	Sunnyside Park 1755 Lake Shore Boulevard West Toronto, Ontario Parking will be available.

Photo/Interview opportunities:
Participants are scheduled to arrive at 11:00 a.m. and dipping into Lake Ontario at 12:00 p.m. sharp. Event organizers Mike Bonneveld and Ian MacLeod plus Habitat Toronto's CEO Neil Hetherington will be on hand for interviews.

***Media are invited to attend and interviews will be available***
Please visit www.torontohabitat.ca/AboutUs for more information on Habitat for Humanity Toronto.

For further information:

On Saturday call Joanna M. Dwyer at [phone] or Neil Hetherington at [phone].