Bringing family, tradition and generosity together

Water for Water

$2,376,000

has been raised for World Vision since 1995.

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 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 Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo 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 from Mike Whaling
- 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