Over 200 people took to Chatham streets this weekend to help raise awareness for homelessness, both at home and across the country.
The eighth annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser ended up beating its $60,000 goal again, with more than $67,000 going to NeighbourLink Chatham-Kent.
A total of 31 teams registered, and 205 walkers signed up for Saturday's event.
"It's very gratifying to know that the community is behind our charitable work," said Al Baker, the Managing Director of NeighbourLink Chatham-Kent. "It gives us a renewed vigor moving forward with what we do here in Chatham when we have all of these folks coming out to support us every year."
NeighbourLink CK is a non-profit organization in Chatham that connects people in need with people who can help. One of the services NeighbourLink provides is free transportation to medical appointments and other necessary things for people who need help getting there.
According to Baker, the organization doesn't receive regular government funding, so Coldest Night of the Year is their biggest fundraiser.
The money raised goes toward the organization's general operations.
"This is our major fundraiser," said Baker. "We do apply for grants for specific programs, but Coldest Night of the Year keeps us going at the office. We have no other way to do that except for this event."
At last check, a total of $67,231 has been raised, but Baker said he expects a few more donations to trickle in online.
"We are very thankful for the volunteers and the walkers who came out to help our cause," said Baker. "It's not about us, it's actually about helping the very needy here in Chatham-Kent."
