Celebrities support the cold plunge on New Year's Day

Dippers gear up to jump into Lake Ontario

OAKVILLE, ON, Dec. 31 /CNW/ - Hundreds of dippers including celebrities and out-of-towners plan to run into the icy cold waters of Lake Ontario at the 26th Annual Courage Polar Bear Dip on New Year's Day.

The Courage Polar Bear Dip is Toronto's most supported New Year's Day charitable tradition. More than $660,000 has been raised to provide clean water in developing countries since the first dip in 1985. This year's goal is to raise $150,000 which will complete the Manonga Water and Sanitation Project in Tanzania and bring clean water to 6,000 people.

"The Courage Brothers Polar Bear Dip is proof of what's possible when caring people come together for a meaningful cause--like clean water for Africa," says Michael Messenger, Executive Vice President of World Vision Canada. "The water projects funded by Polar Bear Dip supporters deliver real and lasting change to vulnerable children and their communities. We're thankful for this incredible partnership."

Celebrities, including Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath, will be on hand to cheer on the 600 costumed dippers along with thousands of spectators.

World Vision is grateful for the generosity that Canadians have shown to children and families who are in desperate need of clean water.

FACTS
	What:	26th Annual Courage Polar Bear Dip
	Where:	Coronation Park, Oakville (Lakeshore Road West just east of Third Line)
	When:	Saturday January 01, 2011 Registration & Live Music begins at 12:30 p.m. Costume Contest at 1:15 p.m. Dip at 2 p.m. sharp
	Visual:	Celebrities, (including Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath); 5,000 spectators, 600 costumed dippers running into Lake Ontario; World Vision warm-up tent with water consumption display.

World Vision is a leading Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

For further information:

Alicia Pereira, 905-565-6200 ext. 3524, cell: 647-926-7106, [email protected]
Further Details can be found at www.polarbeardip.ca