/R E P E A T -- Hundreds to make an icy dive together in support of Habitat for Humanity/

The 8^th annual Toronto Polar Bear Dip aims to raise $30K this New Year's Day to help bring affordable homeownership to more low-income families

TORONTO, Dec. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Over 300 brave participants will once again dive into the icy waters of Lake Ontario at the 8^th annual Toronto Polar Bear Dip at Sunnyside Beach on Tuesday, January 1, 2013. Hosted by the Toronto Polar Bear Club, this event will raise money to build safe and decent Habitat homes with low-income Toronto families.

"It's amazing to see so many Torontonians come together year after year for a chilly, but important event in our city," says Neil Hetherington, CEO of Habitat for Humanity and regular participant of the dip. "By making the frosty plunge into Lake Ontario, these dippers are showing their support for affordable homeownership and helping to make a tremendous difference in the lives of hard-working families in our city."

Since 2005 the Toronto Polar Bear Dip has raised over $130,000 for Habitat for Humanity Toronto—funds that have gone directly towards purchasing building materials to build more Habitat Toronto homes for families in need. This year's fundraising goal is $30,000.

A lone bagpiper will lead the brave dippers to the water and a Toronto-based musician Noel Johnson will perform, welcoming dippers back on shore for the presentation of prizes to the top fundraisers.

Join Habitat for Humanity Toronto and the Toronto Polar Bear Club in this cold but charitable way to ring in the New Year.

When:	Tuesday, January 1, 2013, 12:00 pm (participants to arrive starting at 10:30 am for registration and pre-dip events)
Where:	Sunnyside Beach, Toronto 1755 Lake Shore Boulevard West
How:	Visit www.torontopolarbear.com to sign up & start fundraising today

***Media are invited to attend and interviews will be available***

Please visit www.torontohabitat.ca for more information on Habitat for Humanity Toronto.

 

 

SOURCE: Habitat for Humanity Toronto

or media requests, please contact: 

Joanna M. Dwyer, Marketing & Stakeholder Relations Associate
Habitat for Humanity Toronto
T: 416-755-7353 ext. 259 C: 416-708-6481 E: [email protected]