Join the Virtual Polar Dip—Plunge anywhere, anytime to protect Georgian Bay from TC Energy’s Pumped Storage Project!

How It Works:

1. 📝Register for $25
   • Sign up as an individual or join/create a group
2. 🌐We will create your Dipper fundraising page and send you a link
   • If you’re in a group, your page will show your team name and members.
3. 📍Choose Your Plunge Location & Time
   • Coordinate with your group or pick your own spot.
4. 📹Record Your Dip & Upload Video
   • Groups can upload a combined video or individual clips.
5. 📣 Share Your Page & Raise Funds
   • Invite friends and family to support your team or individual effort.
6. 🎉 Celebrate on February 28, 2026
   • Join our Virtual Celebration Event with family, friends, and supporters. We’ll showcase top fundraising groups and the most creative plunges!

Each dipper will have a personal fundraising page to share with friends, family, and neighbors. Your mission? Get sponsors to support your chilly challenge!!

For Dippers & Groups

Registration is $25 per person. When you register, you can join an existing group or create your own team to plunge together.

• Virtual Dip: Can be done anytime before the live event, but your video must be recorded and uploaded to your dipper page before February 28, 2026.
• Personal Fundraising Page: Each dipper will get their own page to track donations and share their dip video.
• Photo & Comment: Please upload a photo of yourself and add a short comment about why you’re dipping—it makes your page more personal and inspiring!

Whether in person or virtual, this event is an important fundraiser to raise awareness about TC Energy’s proposed open-loop pumped storage project in Meaford. If approved, this $7B+ project would harm the Niagara Escarpment and threaten the freshwater resources of Georgian Bay. The funds raised will directly support our fight to stop this project.

For Donors

Sponsor a dipper. Your support makes a difference! Your donation helps fund our fight against TC Energy’s proposed open-loop pumped storage project in Meaford—a $7B+ project that threatens the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay’s freshwater resources.

Here’s how to get started with your registration for a virtual plunge or cold weather challenge:

1. Register online for $25 to get started.  You can take the plunge with a friend or a group anytime between January 1, 2026, and February 28, 2028.
   •  Safety first: Never dip alone—always bring a friend or have someone there to record your dip.
2. Once registered you will receive a link to your own personal fundraising page within 24 hours. 
3. Share your fundraising page with family and friends via email and social media.  You can track donations from your fundraising page, respond to donors and monitor fundraising progress.

Important Note About Your Gift:
Save Georgian Bay is a grassroots advocacy organization. Donations made through this page are not tax-deductible because of our status as an advocacy and lobbying group.

We do not have a payroll—our board and volunteers are unpaid. Every dollar you give goes directly toward outreach, education, insurance, operational expenses and action to protect Georgian Bay, including expenses that cannot be covered through the Save the Bay project or Small Change Fund restrictions.

Thank you for supporting the 2026 Virtual Polar Bear Dip!

If you require a tax receipt for your sponsorship or donation, please contribute through our Double Your Impact Campaign. This option is managed by Small Change Fund and ensures your gift is eligible for a tax receipt.

Standing with us means safeguarding clean water and preserving wildlife and communities.

Q&A:

• Is the Bay cold?
  Yes, usually in late February, the water temperature is hovering around 1-2 degrees Celsius. We may have pack ice along the shoreline.
• Do I have to have a team or be on a team?
  No, solo is fine. Bring a buddy on the day of the dip.
• How old do you have to be to do the Dip?
  There is no age requirement to participate in our Polar dip. Those under 18 years of age are required to have a parent or guardian present and sign the waiver for the event.
• Do I need to check-in?
  All participants MUST check-in prior to Dipping. You will receive your wristband which allows you to participate.
• Are there change rooms?
  No, most people arrive with their bathing suit on. We don’t have traditional change rooms, but we do provide a heated tent for changing. Please note that the tent is not private. As an alternative, many guests bring a buddy to help them dry off and change into warm, dry clothes, with the buddy holding up a towel for added privacy.
• Is a shot of liquid courage a good idea?
  NO. For your safety, please refrain from consuming alcohol, cannabis or any other intoxicant before you dip.
• How much money goes to the charity?
  All of it. The funds raised go directly to Save the Bay, with some covering expenses.
  A tax receipt will be issued for any sponsorships.

Polar Dip Day Checklist:

1. Start preparing with short cold showers to build tolerance. ✔
2. Practice steady breathing—don’t hold your breath. ✔
3. Choose a safe location (pool, tub, snowbank, or lake if accessible). ✔
4. Always have someone nearby or let someone know your plan. ✔
5. Wear gloves, booties, and a toque for warmth. ✔
6. Limit your time in cold water to 4 minutes or less. ✔
7. Have warm clothes and two towels ready for after your dip. ✔
8. Record your plunge video for upload to your fundraising page. ✔
9. Add a fun twist—costumes or props make it memorable! ✔
10. Read our guide: [How to Prepare for a Cold Plunge] (link to full resource). ✔

A Huge Thank You

To every dipper, donor, and supporter—thank you! Your commitment fuels real action to safeguard Georgian Bay. This event was possible because of YOU!