ABOUT US

The Clarington Polar Bear Swim is the only one of its kind to be held in Durham Region. The first Polar Bear Swim was held January 1st, 2000 to ring in the New Millennium.  The Polar Bear Swim was well received by not only the residents of Clarington but also those in surrounding areas with over 22 brave souls entering the frigid water of Lake Ontario and over 200 spectators. The Clarington East Food Bank was the recipient of the overwhelming generosity by the attendees. Also, we wanted to promote organ donation awareness and donor cards were available to those who wished to “Give the Gift of Life.”

The second polar bear swim was held January 1st, 2001. Another beautiful day and another successful “Plunge for Life” while again raising awareness of the urgent need of organ and tissue donations and non-perishable food items being brought for the Clarington Food Bank.

The organizing committee grew for the 3rd Clarington Polar Bear Swim held January 1st, 2005, and took a greater focus towards the awareness of the urgent need of organ and tissue donations and to also raise funds for the Canadian Liver Foundation into the study of paediatric liver disease.  Over 200 spectators came to participate and cheer on the 32 brave souls who took the “Plunge for Life” into the bone chilling 37°F water of Lake Ontario. A donation of $4250.00 was presented to The Canadian Liver Foundation.

In 2006, close to 50 people took the plunge, with over 200 spectators cheering them on.  Together, we were able to raise $4300 for paediatric liver disease research.  This year we chose to (and from this point forward will) direct the money to the Sick Kids Foundation where most of the paediatric liver disease research is being done.

2007 brought much the same results as 2006, with approximately 55 'swimmers' and about 250 spectators.  We were also consistent in the amount raised for paediatric liver disease research - $4500.  As an added bonus this year, swimmers enjoyed a 'hot' dip immediately after their 'cold' dip, courtesy of an on-site hot tub from King St. Spas & Pool Supplies in Bowmanville.

2008 was another successful year with just under 60 people participating, and many more watching and supporting.  Together with a New Year's Eve dance, we were able to donate about $8000 to the Sick Kids Foundation.

2009 showed our event growing again!  A bright, cold day saw 80 brave souls taking the plunge - our youngest being 8 years old and our oldest being 70 years old.  Thanks to generous pledges and a fantastic raffle prize ($2500 travel voucher) we were able to raise $9000, bringing our grand total raised in 5 years to $30,000!!!!  Way to go everyone!!!

January 2010 proved another successful growth year.  We had 98 swimmers and again, hundreds who came out to cheer them on.  Thanks to everyone's generosity, we raised another $9000, bringing our total to date to $39,000 for Sick Kids Foundation!  Woo hoo!

2011 brought record numbers - of swimmers, of spectators, and of money raised....142 swimmers, at least 400 spectators and just under $14,000 raised!  That brings our current total raised for paediatric liver disease research to $53,000!  Way to go everyone and thank you!

Looking forward to January 1, 2012...

“It’s in you to give!”