Family day was first introduced in Ontario in 2008. Beyond another long-weekend to break up the looooooong winter, it’s a great way for a family to spend some much-needed time together. While my husband and I enjoyed this long weekend even before we became a family of three, we love it even more now that we can celebrate it with our little one.

I was recently told about a new and exciting event that will be taking place in Yonge-Dundas Square Toronto this upcoming Family Weekend (February 17th & 18th). The Sears Great Canadian Chill (www.TheChill.ca) is a nationwide series of Polar Bear Dips that will Stop Kids Cancer Cold! It’s mission is to raise money for kids cancer. Specifically in Toronto, the funds raised will go to support pediatric oncology research and treatment initiatives at the Hospital for Sick Children. This is such a great initiative that I just had to spread the word.

The Toronto Chill is actually a twist on the traditional “polar dip” where Chillers jump into a custom-built pool filled with icy cold water. This will be Canada’s largest urban polar bear dip! Of course, you can warm up afterwards at the hot-tub. As well, there will be live entertainment, a free breakfast, hot chocolate, light food from local restaurants, a fastest snowball throwing contest, family photos, face-painting and more!

Anyone can register online as an individual or group through www.thechill.ca. You can register a family of up to 5 people for one registration of $40 which includes all of the activities mentioned above. Students register for $15 and regular registration is $25 per person. Register for the jump or donate to this great cause. Either way, you know you’re supporting a great cause.

Together with the organizers, Mayahood blog will be giving one reader a free family entry to this awesome event.

To enter this giveaway, you need to do one of the followings. The more you do, the more entries you will receive in the draw. Kindly leave me a message at the end of this post to let me know which of the following activities you have completed.

1. Tweet the following: Learn about The Chill (www.thechill.ca) supporting kids w cancer & win a family entry @fitzpatrickmaya @GrtCnChill http://wp.me/p248bN-sG

2. Leave me a message and let me know why you would love to win these passes

Contest deadline is Friday January 25. Open to all residents of GTA, Canada.