Polar Bear Swim Toronto

Photo courtesy Rick Bogasz

Get your mid-winter swim gear on and prepare to watch all your parts shrink and puff up as you ring in the new year by a “dash of insanity”.

For the brave of heart, here’s where to ring in no, rather take the plunge into a new decade just a little bit differently:

The Polar Bear Swim Club (in support of Habitat for Humanity) Sunnyside Park - 11:30am registration and 12:00pm dip - free blanket for all participants

Polar Bear Dip (in support of World Visions) Coronation Park, Oakville - 12:30pm-3pm - dip at 2pm sharp - the 25th anniversary of Canada’s biggest

Clarington Polar Bear Swim (in support of Sick Kids) - Newcastle Waterfront - 2pm dip - 10th anniversary - first 80 pledgers get a prize pack

If you start to like this a lot, there is a slightly insane group who likes to do this winter round too.

Forecast calls for scattered flurries and -2 degrees Celsius, although with a slight wind and few clothes on, who knows what that will really feel like.

Some smart advice ahead of time:

• Footwear you can wear in the water
• Towel(s)
• Blanket(s)
• Warm clothes to wear before and after the dip
• A friend to help should you require assistance
• A good place to shower and scrub off Lake Ontario afterwards
• if any medical condition puts you in doubt, consult a doctor or merely gawk and donate

Generation Go This Week: Dec 14th - Dec 20th, 2009

Courtesy of www.insidesocal.com

Olympic Torch Relay: This is an event you do not want to miss! Come by Nathan Phillips Square this Thursday and see the Olympic torch make its way through Toronto. The event is free and occurs at 6 pm.

Holiday Jam: Is a benefit for Sick Kids. Here you will see performances by Kathleen Edwards, Sarah Harmer, Sam Roberts and others. Show begins at 8 pm and ticket prices are $39.50.

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Generation Go This Week: Dec 7th - Dec 13th, 2009

Courtesy of thedctraveler.com

DJ SK8 Nights at Harbourfront Centre: Bring your whole family down to the Natrel rink for a free family skate.  The event runs Saturday’s beginning at 8pm.  The location of the event is at 235 Queens Quay West.

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Generation Go This Week: Nov 30th - Dec 6th, 2009

Courtesy of Mark Goldhaber

Street Dance Academy Performance:  This Saturday between noon and 3pm you can catch a great stage performed dance off.  This family event is free for all who wish to watch The Street Dance Academy in action, and maybe learn a few moves themselves. A 30 minute presentation is held on stage, followed by several free dance workshops for kids. Participants will be shown a number of easy street-dance moves, from hip-hop to pop and lock and more. Come by the Harbourfront Centre and enjoy.

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Generation Go Profile: Jeff Gorda- Curling Guy

My father introduced me to the sport of curling when I was 10 years old. Like most kids I found joy in just chucking the rock down the ice as hard as I could and seeing them fly. As my interest grew in the sport I began to realize that curling was much more about making touch shots and strategizing.  I spent evenings and weekends in my hometown curling club mastering my delivery and getting a feel for draw weight. I can still remember mentally throwing draws to the button while waiting for the school bell to ring at 3:00pm so I could go curl.  20 years later and I’m still doing that, except now it’s in boardroom meetings.

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Generation Go This Week: Nov 23rd-Nov 29th, 2009

Complete Streets: Join in on Monday for the Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation meeting on designing streets for all users. The time of the event is 6:30pm to 8:30 pm and the admission is free. The location of the event is at the Metro Hall, 55 John Street.

King Tut Returns: Is coming to the AGO as a part of the exhibition Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs. The exhibit features 130 pieces from King Tut’s tomb, and other ancient sites, spanning 2000 years of history. Some of the pieces are newer discoveries that have not been seen in North America before, including a ten-foot statue of the ancient King.  The event runs from 10am to 5:30pm, Tuesday till Thursday.

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Generation Go: Photographer Of The Week- Pippin Lee

Generation Go This Week: Nov 16th-Nov 22nd, 2009

Courtesy of adamswineguide.com

Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Radio City Rockettes have left NYC and are in Toronto with their Christmas show!  Beginning Monday and continuing until Tuesday, you can come see this Christmas production special at the ACC. Show times vary and prices range from $50-$75.

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Generation Go This Week: Nov 9th-Nov 15th, 2009

Courtesy of ViaMoi on Flickr

Remembrance Day Ceremonies: Every year on November 11, Canadians remember the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country during times of war, military conflict and peace.  Come out to Old City Hall at 10:30am and join others in remembrance.

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Generation Go Neighbourhoods: The Distillery District

The Distillery District is a historic and very entertaining area located east of Toronto downtown core. The 13-acre space comprises more than 40 heritage buildings and 10 streets, and is the largest collection of Victorian Era industrial architecture in North America.  There are many restaurants, bars and events going on here and here are a just a few.

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