/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - Hundreds of Torontonians take a daring plunge together in support of Habitat for Humanity/

The 9^th annual Toronto Polar Bear Dip aims to raise $40K this New Year's Day to help bring affordable homeownership to more low-income families

TORONTO, Dec. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Over 400 brave participants will once again dive into the icy waters of Lake Ontario at the 9^th annual Toronto Polar Bear Dip at Sunnyside Beach on Wednesday, January 1, 2014. Hosted by the Toronto Polar Bear Club, this event will raise money to build safe and decent Habitat homes with low-income Toronto families.

"I'm thrilled to see how many Torontonians come together and brave these icy waters, year after year." says Ene Underwood, CEO of Habitat for Humanity and first-time participant of the dip. "They are making a bold statement for the cause of affordable homeownership, and helping to make a difference in the lives of hard-working, low-income families in our city." Ene will be joined by Thomas Fischer, Executive Director of Habitat Brampton Caledon, and Tom Vegh, Executive Director of Habitat York Region, for this daring dip into Lake Ontario.

Since 2005 the Toronto Polar Bear Dip has raised nearly $170,000 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 $40,000.

Live Entertainment will kick off the festivities, welcoming dippers back to the shore for the presentation of prizes to the top fundraiser.

When:	Wednesday, January 1, 2014, 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

For more information or media requests, please contact: 

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