A reveller takes the plunge during the annual New Year's polar bear dip in Herring Cove, N.S. on Tuesday, Jan.1, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan
January 01, 2013 - 8:49 AM
OAKVILLE, Ont. - Hundreds of hardy Canadians will take the plunge into the new year today by jumping into icy waters at charity Polar Bear Dip events across the country.
Crowds of participants in the annual events, traditionally held on the first day of each new year, will be stripping down to their skivvies and taking a dip in sub-zero waters to raise money for local charities.
This year's largest event, the Courage Polar Bear Dip, is being held in Oakville, Ont., just west of Toronto.
Since it began in 1995, the Oakville event has raised $940,000 in donations for World Vision Canada. This year, it is expected to hit the $1-million mark.
The lively event will feature participants in costumes, live music, prize draws and celebrity guests.
Similar events are being held across Canada, in several cities including Toronto and Vancouver.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013