❄️ Take the Plunge for Georgian Bay!

Brave the cold on January 1, 2027, and help raise awareness about the risks of TC Energy’s proposed Pumped Storage Project. Dip with us at Shore Access, Harbour Beach Drive, Meaford, or complete a Virtual Dip anywhere and share your plunge with supporters.

How It Works:

1. 📝Register for the Polar Dip
   • Sign up as an individual or join/create a team
2. 🌐Receive Your Personal Fundraising Page
   • We will create your Dipper fundraising page and send you a link
   • Team members will automatically be linked to their team page.
3. 📢 Share Your Page & Raise Funds
   • Invite friends, family, and colleagues to sponsor your plunge.
   • Track your fundraising progress online.
4. 🌊 Join the Polar Dip
   • In-Person Dip: January 1, 2027, at 1:00 PM.
   • Location: Shore Access, Harbour Beach Drive, Meaford
   • Dip with fellow supporters to kick off the New Year with a splash!
5. 🎥 Can’t Attend? Choose the Virtual Dip Option
   • Complete your plunge at a location of your choice.
   • Dip on your own or with friends and family.
   • Record your plunge and post the video to your personal or team fundraising page.
6. 🎉 Celebrate Your Achievement
   • Share your photos and videos.
   • See how much you’ve helped raise to protect Georgian Bay’s waters, shorelines, and ecosystems.

Every participant receives a personal fundraising page to share with friends, family, and supporters. Whether you join us at Shore Access, Harbour Beach Drive, Meaford, on January 1, 2027, or complete a Virtual Dip from another location, you’ll be helping protect Georgian Bay while starting the New Year with an unforgettable challenge.

For Dippers & Teams

Once you register, you’ll receive a personal fundraising page to share with friends, family, and colleagues. Team members will also be linked to a team fundraising page.

Virtual Dip Option

• Can’t make it to the group dip on January 1, 2027?
• Complete your dip at a location of your choice.
• Record your plunge and post the video to your personal or team page.

• Add a photo and tell supporters why you’re taking the plunge.
• Share updates and encourage donations throughout your fundraising journey.

Whether you dip in Meaford or virtually, every dollar raised helps Save Georgian Bay raise awareness about the risks of TC Energy’s proposed pumped storage project and supports efforts to stop the project before it harms Georgian Bay’s waters, shorelines, and ecosystems.

For Donors

Support a brave dipper or team as they take the plunge on January 1, 2027!

1. Click Donate to Dipper.
2. Search for the dipper or team you wish to support.
3. Not sure who to support? Browse the list of registered dippers and teams and choose one that inspires you.
4. Make a secure online donation.
5. Share their fundraising page with friends and family to help them reach their goal.

Every donation helps Save Georgian Bay raise awareness and build support to stop TC Energy’s proposed pumped storage project and protect Georgian Bay.

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!