What are you doing New Year's Day?

Plans for January 1?

Since the kids aren't likely to let you sleep in that day, why not start the year with a charitable and refreshing dip in Lake Ontario?

The Sears Great Canadian Chill is an event happening in four Canadian cities to raise money for pediatric oncology initiatives at The Hospital for Sick Children. Here in Toronto, folks in bathing suits and crazy costumes will be taking the plunge at Woodbine Beach.

Alas, my kids and I will be on a mini-break, so I'm wimping out this year, but it's a great cause I hope you'll consider supporting.

Since 2008, the Great Canadian Chill has raised $4.3 million to support SickKids, which sees a quarter of all new pediatric cancer cases in Canada and 60 percent of all cases in Ontario.

Pediatric cancers appear differently in children and respond in differently to treatment. That's why we need centres for pediatric oncology innovation, like the one at SickKids.

To register for the event or donate, go to theSearsGreatCanadianChill.ca. Both swimmers and spectators will be kept warm in heated tents, so consider coming out to cheer on these brave souls if you're not going to take the plunge yourself.

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