Toronto Polar Bear Dip gets underway

If you're struggling to shakeoff the effects of New Year's Eve celebrations, perhaps a winter dip in Lake Ontario this afternoon is just the ticket.

The annual Polar Bear Dipa benefit for Habitat for Humanity got underway atSunnyside Beach just after noon today. Swimmers can dip individually or sign up as a team.

The 2014 swim attracted more than 400 dippers and raised more than $50,000.

Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing for families in need.

The beach is atSunnysidePark, 1755 Lake ShoreBlvd. W, Toronto. Registration opens at 11 a.m.

Oakville dip set for 2 p.m.

Another even larger dip event is the Courage Polar Bear Dip being held at 2 p.m. inOakville's Coronation Park in support of World Vision Canada.

Last year'sevent marked the 30th anniversary of the dip andsaw 734 participants brave the frigid waters for clean water projects in Rwanda, raising a total of $130,000.

The park is located at 1426 Lakeshore Rd. W.Teams or individuals can register today online or at the park at a cost of $25 per person.