The Courage Polar Bear Dip: 2014 bucket list

OAKVILLE, ON, Dec. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - As the year comes to a close, hundreds of brave souls will celebrate New Year's Day by ticking off something from their bucket lists: plunging in to the chilly waters of Lake Ontario at Coronation Park in Oakville, Ontario for a good cause.

The Courage Polar Bear Dip, the nation's largest dip for charity, is now into its 29^th year and since 1995 it has been raising money to establish clean water projects for development organization World Vision.

This tradition all began in 1985 when Gaye Courage encouraged her two sons Trent and Todd to ring in the new year a little differently.

"I clearly remember my first time doing the dip," says dip co-founder Trent Courage. "It was cold and icy just like it is right now and I'll never forget it.  It was definitely something new and exciting then and now I've been doing it for almost 30 years."

Trent's top 5 tips to make the Courage Polar Bear Dip the ultimate bucket list experience:

• Wear water shoes - no one likes to walk on rocky patches in -2 degree water
• Put on your plunge outfit under your costume - but remain fully clothed and warm until the last minute and then you're good to go
• Bring a buddy - who can help you out of the water and take wacky pictures too
• Don't forget dry clothes and towel - for after the dip, it's a must
• Have fun - there are hot drinks, music and all round fun to be had!

New dippers like Don Moore are marking a major milestone in 2014. "Every year since I was 40, I've marked my birthdays by doing things like dogsledding in Algonquin Park, bungee jumping in New Zealand and parasailing in Hawaii," says Moore. "This year I turn 60 so jumping into Lake Ontario is on my bucket list! Yipes!"

In a fun and festive atmosphere, the Courage Polar Bear Dip sees hundreds of thrill-seekers of all ages, and all the proceeds from this year's dip will go to support over 7,000 people in Rwanda by giving them a water pipeline and training in good hygiene practices.  Canadians can find out more at www.polarbeardip.ca and even pre-register in the warmth of the office on Monday Dec. 30^th from 10-2pm.

Twitter: @PolarBearDip

Website: www.polarbeardip.ca or www.worldvision.ca

Image with caption: "Dippers at the ready to take the plunge at Coronation Park in Oakville (CNW Group/The Courage Polar Bear Dip)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131227_C6736_PHOTO_EN_35255.jpg

Image with caption: "Don Moore's 60th birthday bucket list includes jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Ontario for the Courage Polar Bear Dip in Oakville (CNW Group/The Courage Polar Bear Dip)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131227_C6736_PHOTO_EN_35256.jpg

SOURCE: The Courage Polar Bear Dip

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