46 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 26, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Artscene Oakville Beaver · WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007 Pre-dip show becoming tradition Continued from page1 "Today was not as bad as I thought it would be," said Todd Courage as he emerged from the hot tub. "I don't know if it's because I've done it for 22 years in a row, but it wasn't that bad." The Coronation Park New Year's Day polar bear dip, which is organized by the Courage brothers, was initially started for fun and as a way to remove the cobwebs after an intensely celebrated New Years Eve. However, over the past 22 years the event has evolved into Canada's largest charitable polar bear dip, which to date has raised $320,000 for World Vision Canada. Last year, supporters helped the Courage brothers reach their fundraising goal of $40,000 for the Koukane Water Project in Senegal, and this year Todd noted that the fundraising goal is just as ambitious. "All the money this year is being raised for World Vision for a water project in Sudan," he said. "We hope to raise $40,000 this year." With around a billion people living without clean water there is no shortage of need for the kind of assistance the Courage brothers are providing, which is why their efforts are LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER IT'S A TOUGH JOB: City-TV Breakfast Television crew shoots reporter Jennifer Valentyne interviewing some of the pre-dip Polar Bear participants in a hot tub at Coronation Park, while friends and relatives of the pre-dippers watch from the background. so greatly appreciated by the organization they are trying to help. "These events are great for our work. They raise awareness for our organization as well as raise money in this case for clean water for people in Sudan," said Richard Chaptman, World Vision Development Advisor. "In the western part of the country, Darfur, we're doing a water project in an area where very few people have access to clean water and healthy sanitation practices. This project is helping to provide clean water to 7,000 people. For even more people it will educate them on better hygiene practices so they don't get as sick." While only a few people participated in the pre-dip, Todd promises the Jan. 1 event will be something to remember, with 400-600 people expected to dip in the lake (depending on the weather) while 4,000-5,000 spectators cheer them on. "The polar bear dip has grown year after year. This year we're going to have five hot tubs there for people who want to use them. We'll have a live band called Whaling, which is a good blues/rock band," said Todd. The festivities begin at 1 p.m. on New Year's Day with a costume contest followed by the Polar Bear Dip itself at 2 p.m. Those who wish to make donations can do so at the park. Those who wish to participate are asked to bring an extra pair of shoes, one pair that they will use to run into the water and another pair that they can change into afterwards. Participants should have a spotter to watch them, blankets and other items necessary to keep warm after the dip. There is a registration fee of $25, and every $100 raised will get the participant a raffle ticket for a draw to win great prizes. Registration and further information can be found online at www.polarbeardip.ca. 40% off. Boxing week sale. * Book by January 2 for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from January 9 to March 5, 2008. ONE-WAY FARES from Toronto starting at: FORT LAUDERDALE 99 $99 $99 $99 $99 $104 $109 $119 $129 $129 $139 $149 $ 179 $179 $189 $199 $214 $229 $ ORLANDO SAINT JOHN TAMPA WEST PALM BEACH THUNDER BAY HALIFAX · MONCTON CHARLOTTETOWN LAS VEGAS LOS ANGELES · WINNIPEG FORT MYERS · NASSAU, BAHAMAS ST. JOHN'S CALGARY EDMONTON · MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA PUERTO PLATA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGINA · SASKATOON KELOWNA · VANCOUVER FORT MCMURRAY · GRANDE PRAIRIE BECAUSE OWNERS CARE Book now at westjet.com or 1 800 538 5696. Or call your travel agent. TM BECAUSE OWNERS CARE *Book by January 2(MST) for travel from January 9 until March 5, 2008. Fares are available for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Taxes, fees and surcharges are extra where applicable. Advertised fares already reflect the discount. Discount is applied to WestJet's lowest regular fares. Seats at these fares are limited and may not be available on all flights. New bookings only. 100% non-refundable. Offer combinable with other fares. Flights may not operate on certain days. See westjet.com for details. AIR MILES® reward miles can be collected by booking online at westjet.com or with your travel agent. ®Trademark of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by Loyalty Management Group Canada Inc. and WestJet.