Media Advisory - Hundreds of adventure-seekers take the plunge January 1st at the Toronto Polar Bear Dip in support of Habitat GTA
TORONTO, Dec. 27, 2016 /CNW/ - More than 500 brave participants will take the plunge into chilly Lake Ontario on New Year's Day, January 1st at the 12th annual Toronto Polar Bear Dip at Sunnyside Beach (1755 Lakeshore Boulevard West). Organized by the Toronto Polar Bear Club, this invigorating event raises funds for Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area.
Since 2005, the Toronto Polar Bear Dip has raised nearly $370,000 in support of Habitat for Humanity GTA home building projects that help working, low-income families break the cycle of poverty through affordable homeownership.
"It's no surprise that the Polar Bear Dip attracts some of Habitat GTA's boldest supporters," says Ene Underwood, CEO of Habitat for Humanity GTA. "It's inspirational to see dippers and their fans brave the elements and celebrate New Year's Day by raising awareness and funds for GTA families in need of a safe, decent and affordable place to call home."
"As we welcome the new year, we need to remember that many in our city are starting the year in living conditions that are unsafe, unhealthy, crowded, and unaffordable," says Sean Gadon, Director of Toronto's Affordable Housing Office. "I'm personally participating in the Polar Bear Dip this year as a statement around the importance of all of us working even harder in 2017 to address these critical issues facing individuals and families in our communities."
WHAT: Toronto Polar Bear Dip in support of Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area
WHEN: New Year's Day, January 1st. Registration opens at 10:30 AM; Toronto Polar Bear Dip is at 12:00 NOON Sharp!
WHERE: Sunnyside Beach, 1755 Lakeshore Boulevard West
WHO: Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat for Humanity GTA will leap into Lake Ontario along with Sean Gadon, Director, City of Toronto, Affordable Housing Office and hundreds more!
For more information or to sign up to take the plunge visit www.torontopolarbear.com #daretodip #topolarbear.
Habitat for Humanity GTA is grateful for the generous support of Polar Bear Dip sponsors: Monster Plowing Company (Presenting Sponsor), First Aid Services Team, Buy Coffee Canada, Getting Brighter and HVAC Rentals (Supporting Sponsors).
About Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (GTA):
Habitat for Humanity GTA is a non-profit housing organization working with communities to build homes with local families in need of affordable housing, so that they can build a better life. By offering zero down payment, no-interest mortgages capped at 30 percent of a family's income, Habitat for Humanity GTA offers families a hand up, empowering them to achieve stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. With the support of donors and volunteers, we build homes alongside partner families in Brampton, Caledon, Toronto, and York Region, serving two-thirds of the GTA. Since 1988, Habitat GTA has built more than 330 homes in partnership with families. Habitat GTA is one of more than 1,400 Habitat for Humanity affiliates worldwide sharing a common vision and social purpose.
Habitat for Humanity GTA also operates 10 Habitat ReStore retail home improvement stores across the GTA, which sell donated, new and gently-used home furnishing and renovation materials at a fraction of the original price. ReStore proceeds go directly toward building Habitat homes while also helping the environment, by diverting thousands of tons of household materials from landfill.
To learn more, follow us on Twitter: @HabitatGTA, Facebook: Habitat for Humanity GTA or visit www.habitatgta.ca
SOURCE Habitat for Humanity GTA
Carol Davies, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications, Habitat for Humanity GTA, Cell: (416) 428-1356, [email protected]; Karen Lorenowicz, Communications & Public Relations Officer, Habitat for Humanity GTA, Cell: (416) 347-9661, [email protected]
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