There are a couple more Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walks set to take place around Bruce and Grey counties next month.
After a successful first year of hosting CNOY walks in Saugeen Shores and Kincardine, United Way of Bruce Grey Fundraising Champion Kristy Andre says they are expanding to include Meaford and Markdale.
This annual fundraiser will take place across Canada on Feb. 24. Safe ‘N Sound in Owen Sound will also once again host a walk at the Farmers’ Market as it aims to raise $80,000 to support its services.
“The United Way is super excited. We are expanding our CNOY walks into Grey County,” says Andre. “We are partnering with the Meaford Rotary Club for Meaford’s walk and then for Grey Highlands, we are partnering with the East Grey Community Health Centre.”
She says last year’s event for Saugeen Shores and Kincardine raised a combined $75,000.
While the United Way does not have a particular goal for how much they aim to raise for the either two or five kilometre walks, she says they are hoping to raise a little more than last year.
The national event operates as a fundraiser to support organizations who serve people who are experiencing homelessness. Andre says after the walk they will hold a conversation surrounding homelessness.
“A lot of people who are unfortunately unhoused walk the streets a lot, so it is just putting ourselves in their shoes for a night and just recognize that there are people in our communities who are struggling and by you going and walking, it will help them,” says Andre.
The money raised this year for the United Way will go to support its various programs which support people across the region. Additionally, some of the money raised will go to its partners.
When asked if this expansion to new locations is the start of a trend for the organization, Andre says they will have to see how popular these new locations become.
“We are always striving to do better, but we will have to wait and see,” says Andre.
The walks start at 5 p.m. and more information on how to register can be found on the CNOY website here.
