Welcoming the New Year - the Polar Bear Way

Looking back, 2018 has been an amazing year, full of ups and downs and sweet and sours experiences. Today, I just wanted to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone and wishing you all the best in 2019! How was your first day of 2019? I started my New Year by taking dip into the freezing water of lake Ontario organized by Toronto Polar Bear Club in support of Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC). I thought, there was no better way to start the new year than participating in an event for charity.


People rushing to chilly water of lake Ontario


Boost CYAC is a Toronto based organization that answers calls when a child/youth under the age of 18 becomes a victim of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect and help them with their services.
Boost CYAC has a noble mission which states, "Boost CYAC is committed to eliminating abuse and violence in the lives of children, youth, and their families...We are dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and violence through education and awareness, and to collaborating with our community partners to provide services to children, youth, and their families." For more information, visit their website https://boostforkids.org

Thank you to everyone who supported me and donated to Boost CYAC. Good news! As per the latest figure from @TOPolarBearClub, today's participants have raised over $33,000.


Today's event was amazing and definitely something I can talk about for a long time. Participating in this event was a goal of mine for a long time. Two years ago, I had chance to read Scott Carney's famous book “What doesn't kill Us,” where he explained techniques based on cold therapy, breathing and commitment, developed by Wim Hof. I became an instant fan of it, and started practicing a lighter version of it. So, today was my chance to experience how my body reacts in natural freezing water and it did just great!

The day overall was chilly with a temperature of around -3°C and with wind chill it felt like -6°C. I went to this event with my and friend's families. The event was a buzz of excitement with people cheering and taking pictures. I was one of the first few people to touch the freezing cold water and experience the thrilling chill.

I'm hoping to make the polar bear dip as my New Year's Day tradition. If I'm able inspire you enough through this writing, I'll be seeing you all  in January 1st, 2020 at Sunnyside beach, Toronto. Stay warm until then.

Here are some of the pictures and a short YouTube Video that my family captured during the event.

After the dip



CityNews coverage

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