Oakville's Icy Plunge Aims for $2.5M Milestone for Clean Water

OAKVILLE, ON – December 29, 2025 – As the calendar turns to 2026, a beloved and bracing tradition will return to the shores of Lake Ontario. On New Year's Day, hundreds of costumed and courageous individuals will take a collective, frigid leap into the water at Coronation Park for the 41st annual Courage Polar Bear Dip. This event, Canada's largest and longest-running charity dip, is far more than a quirky way to ring in the new year; it's a powerful community movement that has raised millions for global clean water initiatives through its long-standing partnership with World Vision Canada.

This year, the stakes are as high as the spirits of the participants. With over $2.47 million raised since the partnership began in 1995, organizers are aiming to raise $100,000 to push the lifetime fundraising total past the remarkable $2.5 million milestone. The funds from the 2026 dip are earmarked for critical water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects in Ghana and Honduras, two nations where access to clean water remains a life-or-death struggle for countless families.

A Legacy Forged in Ice and Community Spirit

What began 41 years ago as a dare has evolved into a cornerstone of Oakville's community identity. The event was born when co-founders Todd and Trent Courage were challenged by their mother, Gaye, to take a "refreshing" dip after New Year's Eve festivities. That first plunge, involving just five people, planted the seed for a fundraising phenomenon. Recognizing the potential to channel the event's unique energy for a greater good, the Courage brothers partnered with World Vision Canada in 1995, transforming their family tradition into a mission of "water for water."

"For 41 years, this community has shown incredible heart and dedication," says Todd Courage, co-founder of the event. "Each year, we're reminded that a few brave seconds in cold water can create lasting change for children and families who lack access to clean water."

That dedication is on full display every January 1st. Thousands of spectators line the waterfront, cheering on the hundreds of dippers who embrace the challenge with infectious enthusiasm. The scene is a vibrant mix of determination and celebration, with participants donning everything from spirited swimwear to elaborate group costumes, all vying for the "Best Individual" and "Best Group" costume awards. The event's enduring success is a testament to the power of a grassroots movement sustained by generations of families, volunteers, and local businesses.

From Frigid Plunge to Life-Saving Flow

The partnership between the Courage Polar Bear Dip and World Vision Canada exemplifies how local action can drive global impact. The funds raised over nearly three decades have directly supported WASH projects that are fundamental to breaking cycles of poverty and disease. These initiatives go beyond simply digging a well; they involve building sustainable infrastructure like reservoirs, establishing piped water systems, and providing hygiene education to communities.

The results are tangible and transformative. Access to a nearby, safe water source liberates children, particularly girls, from the daily, hours-long burden of fetching water from distant and often contaminated sources. This allows them to attend school, improving their educational outcomes and future opportunities. It also drastically reduces the prevalence of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and chronic diarrhea, which are a leading cause of death for children under five.

"The remarkable 41-year commitment shown by the Courage family and the entire Polar Bear Dip community is truly inspiring," states Allison Alley, President and CEO of World Vision Canada. "Every year, this partnership translates fun and fearlessness into tangible change, helping us deliver clean, safe water - a foundational necessity - to vulnerable children and families. We look forward to seeing the community come together again to help us surpass the $2.5 million goal and continue building a healthier future."

The personal connection to the cause remains a driving force for the event's founders. After visiting World Vision projects in Kenya, the Courage brothers saw firsthand the profound difference their icy endeavor makes. "Clean water doesn't just change a day - it changes a future," says Trent Courage. "And this year, when you dip, you're helping give a future to families in Ghana and Honduras."

The Ripple Effect: A Lifeline for Ghana and Honduras

This year's focus on Ghana and Honduras shines a light on the acute challenges these nations face in the global water crisis. While the dip in Oakville is a moment of festive bravery, the need for the funds it generates is a daily, grueling reality for millions.

In Ghana, the situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where only 11% of the population has access to safely managed drinking water. Factors like rapid urbanization and illegal mining have put immense strain on the nation's water resources, leading to widespread contamination. For children, the consequences are devastating. WASH-related health issues are responsible for over 3,600 child deaths annually in the country. A lack of clean water facilities in schools also contributes to higher rates of illness and absenteeism, creating a significant barrier to education.

Similarly, Honduras struggles with systemic water access issues. According to recent data from the UN and UNICEF, a staggering 81% of rural households in Honduras lack access to a safely managed water supply. The country's infrastructure is vulnerable to environmental shocks, a reality made tragically clear when Hurricanes Eta and Iota left 1.5 million children at risk from contaminated water sources. Preventable diseases caused by unsafe water are rampant, and in cities like Tegucigalpa, less than half the schools have reliable access to public water, forcing closures and disrupting learning. The funds raised by the Courage Polar Bear Dip will directly support World Vision's on-the-ground efforts to combat these statistics by building resilient water systems and promoting hygiene education.

More Than a Dip: A New Year's Day Celebration

The Courage Polar Bear Dip is designed as an inclusive community festival, inviting everyone to participate, whether they brave the water or cheer from the shore. The festivities at Coronation Park kick off at 12:30 PM on January 1st, with live music and entertainment creating a lively atmosphere as participants register. The popular costume contest takes place at 1:15 PM, celebrating the creativity and humor of the dippers before the main event. At 2:00 PM sharp, the signal is given, and hundreds will make their exhilarating dash into Lake Ontario.

To manage the large crowds, organizers have arranged for free shuttle buses from the South Oakville Centre, and heated change tents are available on-site for participants. The celebration continues after the plunge with a post-dip party at Tin Cup Oakville, a local establishment that will contribute a portion of its food sales back to the fundraising efforts, underscoring the deep community integration of the event. Every registration, sponsorship, and cheer contributes to the collective goal of bringing clean water to those who need it most.