Bringing family, tradition and generosity together
See you at Coronation Park in Oakville on January 1 2025 for our 40th Anniversary Dip!
Water for Water
Every year on New Year’s Day, hundreds of people gather in Oakville to jump into the icy cold waters of Lake Ontario. Some do it to try something a little over the edge, some do it to ring in the New Year, some come to support their loved ones. But they all do it to help provide clean water in developing countries, through World Vision Canada.
$2,376,000
has been raised for World Vision since 1995.
Watch the 2022 online dip
While you get ready to dip in person on January 1 2025, check out the 2022 virtual dip below to see the Courage brothers, live music, special guests and much more!
A Bit of History
Did you know the dip is over 39 years old?
The Courage Polar Bear Dip began on New Year’s Day in 1985 when Gaye Courage (Mama Bear!) dared her boys Todd and Trent to get off the couch and go “jump in the lake” to wake themselves up.
They took up the challenge along with a few friends, and it snowballed from there. The following year more friends joined in. As the event grew larger, the brothers realized this was an opportunity to fundraise for a good cause and in 1995 they teamed up with World Vision Canada. Since then over $2 million has been raised to support clean water projects around the world.
Take The Plunge
The Courage Polar Bear Dip will be back for its 40th year!
Get ready to dip on January 1st 2025 at Coronation Park in Oakville
How do I participate?
Step 1 - Register
Option A: REGISTER Online (opens Nov 2024) as a team or individual
Option B: Fill out your Paper Registration Form and bring it to the park with your $30 registration fee
Step 2 - Raise Funds
Help raise funds for clean water projects in Ethiopia and Zambia through World Vision Canada by asking friends and family to sponsor your Polar Bear Dip!
Every $100 raised gets you an entry to win a prize
The Top Fundraiser will win a prize
Prizes courtesy of Shoppers Drug Mart at Third Line & Dundas in Oakville
Step 3 - Spread The Word
Help us spread the word about the event! Tag us @PolarBearDip and #PolarBearDip on:
Facebook
Instagram
X
LinkedIn
Youtube
Step 4 - Do The Dip!
Coronation Park in Oakville January 1st*
12:30pm | Registration Opens, Live Music and Festivities Begin
- All dippers must check-in at the registration desk to get their dipper & spotter wristbands and T-shirt
- Live music on stage
- Bring cash for the BBQ from Tin Cup Oakville or to grab a hot drink
- Washrooms from Natures Call on site
1:15pm | Costume Contest
- Prizes for best individual and best group costumes
2pm | DIP!
- Stay dressed and warm right up until the Dip
- Know where your spotter is on the beach with your towel and warm clothes
- Wear water shoes or old runners (No flip flops!) and when you get out - warm your feet first!
- Heated change tents on site
4pm | Post-Dip Party at Tin Cup Oakville
- Join us as we celebrate another great event
- Percentage of food sales go back to the Dip
- Buy raffle tickets for a grand prize courtesy of Shoppers Drug Mart at Third Line & Dundas
*NOTE: Parking at Coronation Park fills quickly so head over to South Oakville Centre at 1515 Rebecca St
(park near The Beer Store) and grab the FREE shuttle bus from Attridge Transportation.
Bus starts at 12:15 and runs on a loop until the event is over
Ways To Give
We achieve what we do because of the generosity of people and businesses from our community. If you would like to help in our cause to provide clean water to those in need, there are many ways that you can help!
Direct donations • Fundraising • Corporate sponsorship • Volunteer work
Our Sponsors
A huge thanks to all of our 2024 sponsors!
Interested in becoming a 2025 supporter of the Courage Polar Bear Dip? Contact Us Today
Media Packages
Is your publication or broadcast interested in featuring the Polar Bear Dip in one of your stories? Request a media package below to get loads of details and stats about the dip, or speak to one of our organizers for more info.
Join Our Mailing List
Sign up with your email address to stay in touch and get all the updates about the Courage Polar Bear Dip!
Follow Us
Did you know we’re on Instagram?
Check out some of our photos from past events. You may even see yourself in there!
