Fourth annual memorial Dip of Hope in honour of Chris Hope held
By SAM HEFFER
At 7:30 a.m. on Sunday Oct. 25, a cheerful group of cold water enthusiasts gathered on the beach at the foot of Silver Birch Avenue for the fourth annual memorial Dip of Hope.
Coming together to dip in Lake Ontario in honour of the late Christopher Hope has become a Beach community tradition at this time of year.
Chris was an avid adventurer in his 80s who started dipping and swimming in Lake Ontario at sunrise during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued the practice 365 days a year, regardless of the weather!
He invited and inspired many people in the community to do the same. Sadly, Chris passed away at age 85 while swimming in British Columbia., but his joyful outlook on life has had a lasting effect on all of us who dip and swim in Lake Ontario.
As the sun rose on Oct. 25 and we prepared to go into the water, Chris’ good friend, Carlos Yu, introduced Chris’ daughter. She spoke fondly about her father and the amazing legacy he has created.
“The fact that through a habit he started, he built a community as strong as this, is just amazing!! Thank you all for remembering my father; for supporting him in his wonderful activities that I was happy to let him do. When he started going into Lake Ontario every day to dip we were like…’So how are you feeling Dad?’ And of course, he said, ‘I feel wonderful’ The fact that he’s still remembered, and that you’re still doing this makes me very thankful.”
Thankful says it all: for this community and this connection, and for the spirit and joie de vivre of Christopher Hope.
Everyone’s invited to join the swimmers for the fifth annual Dip of Hope in 2027, honouring Chris next fall.
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