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4- The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday December 29, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com New Year's dipping aids water projects Continued from page 3 building 20 latrines; promoting good hygiene practices in eight villages; and, establishing and supporting local Water and Sanitation Committees in the eight villages. "It's a lot of fun, a little crazy and is such a good idea," said Walker, noting how much is raised for good works internationally. Walker said his wife of 15 years, Heidi, does not dip, but is supportive, as is his daughter Cassidy, 11. His sons, Spencer, 13, and Caleb, 7, have dipped with him. "This is the funny part, honestly, you don't feel it. When you run into the water, it catches your breath and you get a tingling feeling. I don't think your brain can process that much information, it's numbing, but invigorating," said Walker. Every year I tell that to people and they don't believe me. When they do it, they agree. It's true, it doesn't feel bad at all," said Walker. Admittedly, he spends several hours in the hot tub following the dip, he said. Since 2003, Walker and his band of friends -- led by his brother-inlaw Paul Litzen-Cox -- have donned costumes to participate in the dip. In 2003, Walker dressed as a North Pole igloo. "I always go for a hot or cold SABRINA BYRNES / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER POLAR BEAR DIP CO-FOUNDERS: Trent and Todd Courage, co-founders of the annual Polar Bear Dip, with Dave Toycen President and CEO of World Vision Canada. theme," said Walker, who wore a pylon on his head as a hat in 2004 when he dressed as a member of a Jamaican bobsled team. In 2005, Walker had a beer cap on his head, literally, as he was one of a six-pack of Polar Bear beer, and in 2006, he was engulfed in an ice-fishing hut. Last year, Walker had a prime spot in the pre-dip event -- when half a dozen dippers climb into a hot tub early with City TV host Jennifer Valentyne for a Breakfast Television segment to promote the event. Walker was again in the tub for a pre-dip on Dec. 20 when Valentyne and her television crew broadcast from Coronation Park. Raised in nearby Dundas, Ontario, Walker said the Polar Bear Dip challenge was right up his alley. The north Oakville resident, who works in commercial property management by day, said, "I always love doing something different." A confessed fan of just about every sport, Walker said he has, in the past, taken part in events like a 24-hour adrenaline bike ride. Walker said that in 2000 when the idea of participating in the Polar Bear Dip was put to him, "I didn't need any coaxing." Now, Walker said he has met lots of people, seen the massive volunteer work that goes on to stage the event, and understands how much can be raised toward a good cause -- all factors that go into his choice to participate. Besides, it's fun. "When it's something you love to do ..." he said. So now you can picture it. A good day for the beach. Blue skies, a bit of a breeze and the thermometer reads a balmy below zero temperature. Amid the hoopla and fun that can always been found at the beach, the clock strikes 2 p.m. and there's a giant splash. The Dip is on. Registration for the Dip is on Jan. 1 at Coronation Park located just east of Third Line on Lakeshore Road. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. The Dip begins at 2 p.m. To donate or become a corporate sponsor visit www.polarbeardip.ca. SOLD SOLD SOLD Just Moved? SOLD Bride-To-Be? New Baby? Call 1-866-283-7584 today! www.welcomewagon.ca 11/06 FM 2047