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Polar Bear Dip brings fresh start and fresh water by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Friday, December 18, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A tradition that began 31 years ago will continue New Year's Day. Only this time, Todd and Trent Courage will be much older and have three children apiece in tow. The brothers and their families have been taking the plunge with hundreds of others into Lake Ontario's chilly waters at Coronation Park's beach front, year after year to ring in Jan. 1. The Courage Polar Bear Dip is in its 31st year, helping raise much-needed funds to support World Vision Canada projects. Trent Courage said the annual dip, he and his brother started together has been a great way to instill good values in their children, who are learning the importance of giving back and making a difference in people's lives who are less fortunate. "Last year, was really great because we had three generations going in all at the same time," he said noting their mother often decides last minute whether to join in. Trent has three boys aged nine, 12 and 14, while Todd has two daughters, aged 11 and 20, and an 18-year-old son. Todd, 52, said most of their children have been taking part in the dip since they were "knee high" and have grown to understand the impact of their actions. More than $1.33 million has been raised for various World Vision water projects around the world since dip organizers developed a partnership with the relief organization in 1995. This year, as well as the past three, will raise funds for a clean water project in Rwanda. The brothers reflected on the time they spent visiting the African country six years ago and seeing the daily struggle Rwandans face. "We saw a ton of children, and they're the ones that make Trent Courage (left) and Todd Courage wade into Lake Ontario to assess the large toe-stubbing rocks that need to be moved before the 31st annual Courage Polar Bear Dip to benefit a World Vision clean water project in Rwanda. | photo by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver up what we call the human pipeline where, for as long as you can see, for kilometres upon kilometres, these children... were carrying these big yellow jugs and going to find clean water and bring it back to their homes," said Trent. That image, he added, has been ingrained in his memory. Todd said "water is the essence of life" and the work World Vision does helps establish a water supply and improve sanitation and hygiene. He said youths who had been spending all their time in search of water, now had the opportunity to go to school. "We also visited schools and that was a real eye-opener," said Trent, recalling the smiles and how happy the kids were to be able to go to school. "A lot of times in our society, kids get up in the morning and don't look forward to going to school sometimes, but to these children, this was an absolute privilege." The brothers are encouraging people to join them, the local community and dedicated volunteers in a collective effort to make a difference in a fun and exciting way. The Courage Polar Bear Dip will begin at 12:30 p.m. and features a costume contest, live entertainment, prizes and refreshments. The dip will take place at 2 p.m. sharp. Dippers can register for $25 and start collecting pledges. And, Trent said if you have no interest in jumping in, it's a great spectator sport. Toronto resident Brian Betsworth said he's been participating over the last 15 years and also began volunteering his expertise in audio visuals to give the event a boost in audio and staging. Betsworth said the dip is a great "fresh start" to the new year. "It's like a baptism," he said, noting he loves swimming in open water and the feeling of "adrenaline and excitement" that comes along with it. He said he also enjoys how the community comes together each year to help thousands of people in Africa. With the hundreds expected to attend the event as participants and spectators, a shuttle bus will pick up passengers from South Oakville Centre at 1515 Rebecca Street beginning at 12:15 p.m. and will make a continuous loop. For more information, visit www.polarbeardip.ca Laughton Training & Sales Inc Riding Academy, Boarding & Horse Sales We WelcOme all neW equestrian's Family owned and operated, providing a high Quality in ServiceS and cuStomer SatiSFaction. 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