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

hat started in 1985 as a way to shake the cobwebs out after New Year's Eve has now grown into a family affair for the Courage clan. Gaye Courage, the "Queen Polar Bear" and mother to Courage Polar Bear Dip co-founders Todd and Trent, was the one who instigated the whole thing when she told her boys to "go jump in the lake." Today, Gaye joins the family on New Year's Day to take part in the largest charitable polar bear dip in Canada. As the years have gone by and the dip has grown, so too has the Courage family participation. No longer is the event just a way to clear the mind -- today Todd and Trent's children also join in the fun. Ranging in age from seven to 18, the event is now three-generational. The Courage children enjoy the dip as much as their fathers and grandmother. "It has been something we have done since I can remember," said 18-year-old Jenna Courage, the eldest of Todd Courage's children. "And my friends join in the fun and look forward to it as much as I do." The Courage's are not the only ones who have made this a family New Year's Day tradition. As hundreds of dippers take to the water, both young and young-at-heart are enjoying the fun W Making the Courage Polar Bear Dip a family affair and festive atmosphere at Coronation Park. "We see more and more families take part every year. It is becoming an annual family tradition for many people, not just my family," said Trent Courage. "I guess we aren't the only ones who like to do something a little crazy together." With more than $1 million raised to support international clean water projects, the Courage Polar Bear Dip is about more than just having fun. Once again the dip will support clean water projects through World Vision Canada -- this year supporting the Rwanda: Right to Clean Water project in the Gashora and Rugarama communities. At this year's 29th annual Courage Polar Bear Dip, the fun begins at 12:30 p.m., with registration and live music, continues with the costume contest at 1:15 p.m. and culminates in the dip itself at 2 p.m. A post-dip party takes place at Tin Cup Sports Grill, 1540 North Service Rd. W. It is easier than ever to sign up, pay your registration fee, and invite friends to be part of your adventure online. You can also text COURAGE to 45678 to quickly donate $5 to the Courage Polar Bear Dip. For more information, visit www. polarbeardip.ca or email info@polarbeardip.ca. -- submitted by the Courage Polar Bear Dip 7 | Friday, December 20, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com "Queen Polar Bear" Gaye Courage, and mother of the Courage brothers, dives in the fun on New Year's Day at one of the annual Courage Polar Bear Dips. | photo by Todd Walden for a January start in our REGISTER NOW ELEMENTARY PROGRAMS The Electric Fireplace Shop 6 Hurontario St. Miss. 905-278-7337 · We Carry Inserts & Mantel Packages · Wall Mount & Recess · Custom Mantels Starting from HSC IS A FAMILY SCHOOL. Everyone cares about each other. The teachers help us and we're all connected like a family." - Current HSC Student $499.00 Over 60 models on display. Largest in GTA Visit our website theelectricfireplaceshop.com Hwy 10 lakeshore Rd. Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for Montessori Toddler and Pre-Kindergarten students to Grade 12. Visit us at www.hsc.on.ca. Now accepting applications for 2014. Call Scott Barton 905-389-1367 BE DONE FASTER. BE MERRY SOONER. North East corner of Third Line & Rebecca southoakvillecentre.com