The Courage Polar Bear Dip is celebrating its 40th year, where hundreds will face the icy waters of Lake Ontario at Oakville’s Coronation Park.
OAKVILLE, Ont. – Despite strong winds and near-freezing temperatures, many fearless participants jumped into Lake Ontario as part of a New Year’s Day tradition.
About 750 individuals took part in the Courage Polar Bear Dip in Oakville, Ont., just west of Toronto on Wednesday.
Aiden Peel, who came from over 100 kilometres away in Innisfil, Ont., said it was his way to kick off the new year without a hangover.
This Oakville polar bear dip has been happening for 40 years and is one of many similar events nationwide that support charitable causes.
People of all ages participated. Eight-year-old Evelyn Gray was excited to take the plunge alongside her father.
“I’m very excited because I’ve always wanted to do this,” she said.
World Vision Canada CEO Michael Messenger stated that they expect to raise around $100,000 from this event, although final numbers won’t be available for “a couple of days.” He mentioned that the funds will help provide clean water in Congo and Zambia this year.
Messenger, an Oakville resident himself, shared that he has joined the dip for the last 17 years.
“This is an incredibly meaningful event for me,” he said in an interview. “It’s a little bit crazy. (I’m) not a big fan of the cold water, but I am a big fan of the warm hearts of people here in Oakville.”
Meanwhile, across Canada in Vancouver, hundreds gathered to dive into the Pacific Ocean at English Bay Beach on Wednesday afternoon.
Temperatures were around 7 C when Vancouver’s official 105th annual polar bear swim began at noon. The event lasts about four hours and features a swimming race that’s over 90 metres long.
This report by The Canadian Press was first Jan. 1, 2025.
Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press
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