Toronto, Oakville Polar Bear Dips cancelled

It’s officially too cold for an event that’s all about braving the cold.

In an ironic twist of events, the frigid temps gripping the city have led to the cancellation of the annual new year’s day Polar Bear Dips in both Toronto and Oakville.

In a release on Sunday afternoon, BOOST Child and Youth Advocacy Centre said icy conditions at Sunnyside Beach led to concerns for participant safety.

“Today we have to consider the safety of everyone first and foremost,” said co-founder Mike Bonneveld. “We will be exploring the possibility of running the event on a later date.”

This is the first time in 13 years that the fundraising event benefiting Toronto charities will be cancelled.

Just hours before brave swimmers were going to brave the cold in Oakville, organizers announced the event – which supports World Vision’s clean water programs – would be cancelled.

“For the first time in our 33 years, we are sad to have to cancel the Courage Polar Bear Dip for World Vision,” co-founder, Trent Courage, said in a statement.

“But with the weather and beach conditions changing, safety had to come first. The funds raised to date will still flow through World Vision Canada to water projects in Mali.”

“I was sorry to hear of cancellation of the Courage Polar Bear Dip today – I already had my swim trunks and wool hat ready to go!” Michael Messenger, president of World Vision Canada, said.

“But the safety of all the dippers is top priority. We are thankful for the donations already made to clean water projects, and salute all who were planning on braving the frigid waters today. We look forward to doing it next year, and working again with Trent and Todd Courage and the entire committee who put this great event together every year.”

Chill-seekers of all ages were expected to brave the record-breaking cold in bright, whacky costumes for the event’s 33rd year.

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