Media Advisory - Habitat for Humanity Toronto supporters dive into the New
Year

TORONTO , Dec. 31 /CNW/ -

    
    What:  Hundreds of Torontonians will gather to ring in the New Year with
           a splash at the 5th Annual New Years Day Polar Bear Dip in support
           of Habitat for Humanity Toronto. "Dippers' will be diving into
           Lake Ontario at Sunnyside Park on Friday January 1st 2010.
           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.
           Last year, with the generous support of countless individuals and
           companies, over $16,500 was raised for Habitat for Humanity
           Toronto. The money raised for the 5th annual Polar Bear Dip will
           be helping to `give a hand up, not a hand out' to the many
           hardworking Toronto families living in substandard housing in need
           of safe, affordable housing.

    Who:   Over 100 dippers from all walks of life are anticipated to be
           participating in the 2010 New Year's Day Polar Bear Dip.

    When:  Friday January 1st 2010, 12:00 p.m.

    Where: Sunnyside Park
           1755 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto, Ontario
           Toronto, Ontario
           Parking will be available.

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

    
    About Habitat for Humanity Toronto
    ----------------------------------
    

Established in 1988, Habitat for Humanity Toronto is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian housing organization. We welcome all people without discrimination to join us as we build simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. One hundred percent of all administrative and fundraising costs are paid for by the operation of three ReStores. Habitat ReStores sell quality new and used donated building materials. Every 10 minutes, Habitat for Humanity helps a family improve their housing situation in more than 100 countries around the world.

For further information: Neil Hetherington, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity Toronto, office: [phone] ext 223, cell: [phone], [email protected]; Brittani Jarvis, Marketing & Communications Intern, Habitat for Humanity Toronto, cell: [phone], [email protected]; On Friday call Neil Hetherington at [phone] or Brittani Jarvis at [phone]