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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, Ja nu ar y 17 ,2 01 9 | 26 Every day people walk through the doors of Kerr Street Mission in need of help, friendship and love. When Zeeana's husband passed away, she was forced to flee her home country of Afghanistan and build a new life for herself and her five children here in Canada. The early months of adapting to this foreign place evoked a deep sadness that Zeeana couldn't shake. It was one of her son's who reached out to KSM, concerned for his mom and the impact her condition was having on the family. The KSM family welcomed Zeeana and her children with open arms and has become like a second home to all of them. Zeeana began taking English classes, attending our community meal nights and volunteering in the the After-School Program, where her daughter was newly enrolled. Fast forward a year and Zeeana is now energetic and full of life. Her mental state has completely turned around. At KSM we are privileged to bring this new hope to our neighbours in need. To learn more about KSM and how you can help please reach out to us by emailing admin@kerrstreet.com. Kerr Street Mission. 485 Kerr Street, Oakville. 905.845-7485. Charitable Reg. No. 897106845RR0001 Visit us online for contests, announcements and get your tickets today! | www.nationalbridalshow.com | @NationalBridal February 1-3, 2019 Enercare Centre, Hall D, Toronto The Most Inclusive & Inspiring Wedding Experience! FIRST 3000 FREE! BRIDES-TO-BE ARE *Must pre-register online. Registrations ends January 27, 2019 SAVE $3 OFF TICKETS USING CODE NBS19 Over 150 Wedding Experts The Latest Trends, Tips & Must-Haves Shop Local Artisinal Products & Exhibitor Specials Hundreds took a chilly plunge into Lake Ontario on New Year's Day in Oak- ville's Courage Polar Bear Dip 2019. The 34th annual dip into the icy waters at Coronation Park rang in the new year and raised funds for clean water projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo through World Vision Canada. "We had over 700 dippers and we have reached our goal of $120,000, with funds continuing to come in," spokesperson Pe- ter Turkington said as the event ended. The fundraiser brought out creative costumes such as candy canes and pen- guins and many first-time dippers, some from as far away as Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba. Thousands of spectators were on hand to witness the daring dippers while taking in live music and the festival atmosphere. "The energy down at the park was fan- tastic. Each year, families, friends and communities come together to give back to others in a gesture that truly signifies the true message of the season," said Todd Courage, one of the founders of the dip. Last year's event was cancelled due to safety concerns with ice and rock shifting, but this year's dip enjoyed relatively mild weather and more favourable conditions. The polar bear dip in Oakville has been a New Year's Day tradition since 1995. HUNDREDS TAKE ICY PLUNGE IN OAKVILLE'S COURAGE POLAR BEAR DIP 2019 KAREN MICELI kmiceli@metroland.com These two Christmas-costumed dippers were among the hundreds taking part in the annual Courage Polar Bear Dip 2019 in Lake Ontario on New Years Day. Ray Lavender/photo NEWS Subscribe to the paper and receive two tickets to a game of your choice CALL 905-632-4444 TO SUBSCRIBE Family Day Monday, February 18 @ 3pm