The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

12 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 31, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Dippers ready to take the plunge Jan. 1 At least 500 dippers -- and 5,000 spectators -- are expected to brave Lake Ontario's icy waters at Oakville's Coronation Park on New Year's Day. The 24th annual Courage Brothers' Polar Bear Dip for World Vision, an event that has become a New Year's Day tradition not only in Oakville, but the GTA, will raise funds for water projects in Rwanda. Leading the countdown this year will be Oakville resident and Canadian rocker Tom Cochrane. "We are excited and honoured to have Tom Cochrane as a special guest at Canada's largest charitable dip this year," said Todd Courage. "Because of his commitment to fighting global poverty, just his presence is an endorsement of what this dip is all about -- helping less fortunate brothers and sisters around the world have clean water." Cochrane, who is known for his humanitarian efforts in fighting global poverty and for his songs that recount stories and dreams that are unabashedly Canadian, was recently awarded the Order of Canada. "I am so proud to be Canadian and cheer on so many people who are willing to jump into the icy Lake Ontario waters and subject their bodies to such extremes just so they can help provide fresh water to global communities in need," said Cochrane. "That this event helps less fortunate communities protect their water resources, establish good sanitary conditions, drill new wells and "I am so proud to be Canadian and cheer on so many people who are willing to jump into the icy Lake Ontario waters and subject their bodies to such extremes just so they can help provide fresh water to global communities in need." Tom Cochrane, musician build reservoirs to provide safe water is amazing -- it's truly Canadian," Cochrane said. The Polar Bear Dip has raised more than $380,000 to provide clean water in developing countries since the first dip in 1985. The overall essence of the Be a Winner! Oct 29th - Nov 4th Enter these DailyWebTV Dec 31st - Jan 6th Wednesday contests. Home & Garden What's keeping you from your dream kitchen? dip is `water for water' -- dippers collect pledges, and after they take the plunge into the icy-cold waters at Coronation Park, funds are donated to a water project through World Vision on behalf of The Courage Brothers Annual Polar Bear Dip. "Funds raised by this year's dip will fund a project that will help provide a dependable source of clean water for the people of Kahi in the Umutara region of Rwanda," said Todd. "Our goal is to raise $60,000 that will go towards drilling new wells, building reservoirs, collecting rainwater that can be used to irrigate vegetable gardens, and institute training programs to help the community to protect their vital water resources," said Todd. The event began when local businessmen Todd and Trent Courage jumped into Lake Ontario in Burlington and it has now become Canada's largest charitable polar bear dip. "This year we will have 500 participants ready to dive into icy water to raise funds to construct water systems in the Umutara region of Rwanda," said Trent. It is hoped this year's edition of the dip will raise a minimum $60,000 to drill boreholes, install wells, collect rainwater for irrigation, and train the community how to protect its vital water resources. The New Year's Day dip has a festival-like atmosphere, with live music, costumes and celebrities (including Rick Mercer of CBC's Mercer Report) and drew more than 450 participants and 5,000 spectators to Coronation Park on Jan. 1, 2008. "Access to clean drinking water is a basic right for all children, whether they live in Rwanda or in the GTA," said Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada. "We are so encouraged by the hundreds of GTA residents who brave Lake Ontario to make sure Rwandan children can exercise that right," said Toycen. The dip will take place on New Year's Day, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 in Coronation Park located on Lakeshore Road West, between Third Line and Fourth Line. Registration, which costs $25, will begin at 12:30 p.m. Dippers will receive a swag bag along with a t-shirt and certificate, which are new souvenirs of participation each year. A band will perform on the main stage and at 1 p.m., when local politicians will greet dippers and spectators. At 1:45 p.m., the Costume Contest will take place with prize draws at 2 p.m. and the Polar Bear Dip will begin with Cochrane leading the countdown. For more information, visit www.polarbeardip.ca. Thursday In the Kitchen Finding time to eat properly can be challenging. New Homes Building a community takes vision and uncompromising standards. Friday Saturday Real Estate It makes sense to consumers to use the energy of the sun and the continuous power of wind. Health & Beauty Well-trained dental hygienists, who are the front line workers in the profession, are much in demand. Sunday In Motion Monday Mitsubishi has established ityself as an innovator and pioneer of the automobile industry since 1917. Lifestyle & Leisure Tuesday Massage Therapy is an exciting and rapidly growing profession. SIGN UP and you could WIN! $200 gift certificate to Dove Spa. Visit DailyWebTV.com to Win!