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. With so much anticipation over the Y2K and the uncertainty of the New Millennium, Willie & Donna Woo organized this event as the “Baptism of the Millennium” or more commonly referred to as the “Dash of Insanity”. 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 and Tsunami Martial Arts, led by Sensei Mark Quin, helped organize the event. 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 pediatric liver disease. The McFarland family, Crystal Van Heuvelen, Sandra Holdsworth, secretary of the Canadian Transplant Association and Linda Rumble, of the Trillium Gift of Life Donor Family Advisory Council joined the organization committee. 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.

Since 2006 was the 150th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Village of Newcastle, the Clarington Polar Bear Swim was proud to partner with the Sesquicentennial celebrations. Being held at the Newcastle waterfront, the plunge into Lake Ontario draws us back to the founding of Newcastle. The Port of Newcastle was the only natural harbour on the north shore of Lake Ontario. The Harbour was the gateway to Bond Head and the center of commerce for the Village. Our Mission Statement was again “To raise awareness of the urgent need of organ and tissue donations by taking the Plunge for Life to enrich lives.”  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.

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.

In order to raise awareness and support for liver disease research, we are devoting our efforts in Clarington to funding research at the Hospital for Sick Children.  We hope to break the $5000 barrier in 2008!

“It’s in you to give!”