Event Day Information

Date: January 1st, 2014

Location: Sunnyside Park, Toronto Ontario

There are parking lots immediately East and West of the park.

There are no change facilities available on-site. We recommend wearing warm clothes over whatever you're wearing in the water.

Arrival time: 10:30 AM for registration and pre-dip events

Dip time: 12 noon sharp

Minimum Sponsorship or Donation to participate: $30

Things to know before you arrive

You've got your pledges, you've signed your waivers and you're ready to do the dip - here's a few things to know on the day of the event:

HAVE FUN! BE SAFE

Those people planning on participating in the dip should be mindful of their health condition. Anyone who has a heart or breathing disorder or who has been subject to seizures or loss of consciousness, should consult their physician before participating. Participants should also be aware that Lake Ontario contains pollutants.

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION

It may seem obvious, but if you've never done the Polar Bear Dip before...it's cold. Waiting to go in the water can be the coldest part if you're not prepared....wear warm clothes over top of what you'll be wearing in the water and keep them on until it's time to go in the water. Things to bring:

Footwear you can wear in the water Don't wear flip flops! (they will come off and you'll be running barefoot on rocks in the freezing cold water...)
Towel(s), Blanket(s), Warm clothes to wear before and after the dip.
A friend to help should you require assistance.

PLEASE NO ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Remember that a Polar Bear Dip is one of the surest remedies for post New Year's Eve "drowsies". DO NOT consume alcohol prior to the dip...It speeds up hypothermia. Habitat for Humanity Toronto reserves the right to deny participation to anyone it believes to have consumed alcohol prior to the event.