News Advisory - Canada's largest charity polar bear dip to reach million-dollar milestone

OAKVILLE, ON, Dec. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Splashes, screams and smiles are in store as more than 700 Canadians of all ages kick off the New Year by running into the cold water of Lake Ontario at the Courage Polar Bear Dip.

This year it will hit a major milestone as it becomes Canada's first million-dollar dip for charity—on New Year's Day it will have raised more than $1 million since teaming up with World Vision in 1995.

This family event attracts 'dippers' from four to 74, many of whom come dressed in colourful costumes.  There will also be some dipping in solidarity in US waters for the first time, proceeds going to the Courage Dip.

Who: Almost 1,000 people expected from across the GTA and Golden Horseshoe, including dip founders Todd & Trent Courage, cheered on by thousands of spectators in a fun, family-friendly, festival atmosphere

What: Waves of people will brave frigid waters of Lake Ontario against the backdrop of a festival that includes live music and costume contests.

When: January 1, 2013—festivities start at 12:30 p.m., dip at 2 p.m.

Where: Coronation Park, Oakville (1426 Lakeshore West, Oakville, ON).

Media are invited:  Look for the media tent (marked by orange balloons) to get media access, interviews and more. 

Why: To have fun ringing in the New Year, and to raise money for clean drinking water in Rwanda with World Vision.

Twitter: #milliondollardip @polarbeardip
Web: www.polarbeardip.ca   or www.worldvision.ca

This year the Courage Polar Bear Dip goes international with a Google+ Hangout On Air. Video of the event and a sister dip in the USA will be broadcast live to the public at http://www.polarbeardip.ca/donors.php

SOURCE: Courage Polar Bear Dip

CONTACTS
Genevieve Barber, (office) 905-565-6200 ext. 2176 (mobile) 416.671.0086
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