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Courage Polar Bear Dip a big success: organizers The 27th annual Courage Polar Bear Dip, which took place New Year's Day, has raised more than $130,000 for water projects in Tanzania. More than 700 dippers, including Oakville's Ward 2 Town Councillor Pam Damoff, plunged into the frigid waters of Lake Ontario in a spectacle that attracted thousands to Oakville's Coronation Park. "(The event) was a big success," said Cheryl Singleton, one of the event organizers. "The rainy weather may have kept some spectators at home, but it certainly didn't stop the dippers." The event has, for the past 16 years, supported water projects worldwide through World Vision Canada. With this year's total included, the event has raised more than $940,000 for the organization. Dippers, including many in silly wigs and costumes, raced into Lake Ontario in waves and then quickly -- some quicker than others -- charged back out. "Actually it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought," said Damoff in a video of the dip, which can be found on www.youtube.com. The New Year's Day polar bear dip at Coronation Park, which is organized by the Courage brothers, Todd and Trent, of Oakville was initially started for fun and as a way to remove the cobwebs after an intensely celebrated New Year's Eve. 5 · Wednesday, January 4, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com "The rainy weather may have kept some spectators at home, but it certainly didn't stop the dippers." Cheryl Singleton, event co-organizer However, over the past 22 years, the event has evolved into Canada's largest charitable polar bear dip. "When you're running out, you feel rejuvenated and alive. It's a good way to bring in the New Year," said Todd, prior to the dip. "It's fun. It's a fun event. It's for a great cause and what else are you going to do on New Year's Day?" asked Trent. MICHAEL IVANIN / OAKVILLE BEAVER Donations to complete the Manonga water project in Tanzania are still being accepted ANTICIPATING THE COLD: Polar Bear Dippers Virginia Turner and her daughter, Ashley, run into Lake and can be made online by visiting www. Ontario at Coronation Park during the 27th annual Courage Brothers Polar Bear Dip on New Year's Day. More than 700 dippers helped raise more than $130,000 for water projects in Tanzania. For more photos, see page 8. polarbeardip.ca. SHOP DIRECT & SAVE! WE HAVE THE COMPETITION BEAT! Importers of Natural Stone Products & Glass Mosaics Don't Miss Out! New Year Huge Inventory Sale MONDAY JAN. 2 TO SUNDAY JAN. 8 STARTING AT ONE WEEK ONLY STONE MOSAIC MARBLE ONYX STARTING AT $ 399 LIMESTONE STARTING AT STARTING AT SQ FT $ $ 6 99 SQ FT $ 5 00 300 SQ FT SQ FT Ledge Stone Mosaic $ 99 4 sq ft Glass & Stone Mosaic $ 99 Travetine $ starting at 5 sq ft 255 sq ft MISSISSAUGA MISSISSAUGA HOME & DESIGN CENTRE 2575 DUNDAS ST. W. UNIT 16 www.quarrydirect1.com 905-820-7300