Registration is open for the annual United Way Coldest Night of the Year walk.
Lisa Harper, United Way Perth Huron's Manager of Community Development for Northern Huron. says the walk has become a fundraising staple in many communities.
"The Coldest Night of the Year is a fundraising walk that happens every year in February. It's a walk in support of those experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness in our area. The funds raised in the Wingham area will be going to support the Northern Huron Connection Centre," Harper explained.
Harper shares that the Wingham walk will raise money this year for the Northern Huron Connection Centre, which is a place for those in the community who are most vulnerable.
"So folks who need to come in out of the cold or heat. Those who need an access to a shower, food, laundry facilities. The centre is open for anybody who needs to come in and use those facilities," said Harper. "While folks are in there, we also connect them with social services, such as Ontario Works, ODSP, legal aid. So there's a two-pronged approach. Access to basic services, and then connecting folks with social services, as well."
The goal for Wingham this year is $50,000. Last year's walk raised $22,380. Walks are also taking place in Goderich, Exeter and many other spots on February 24.
The walk in Exeter will support UWPH’s Southern Huron Connection Centre in Exeter and the Huron Homelessness Initiative. Last year, the walk raised $42,792.
Goderich's walk will be in support of the Huron Homelessness Initiative in Goderich. The last walk raised $126,145.
Registering for the walk, or volunteering and donating, is very simple.
"So folks can register a team or just to walk on their own, or to volunteer, by visiting www.CNOY.org. Type in Wingham. The location page will come up. Then you can register, donate or sign up to volunteer directly through that website," added Harper.
This year’s Wingham CNOY happens on Saturday, February 24, as well as a choice to walk any time during February. For the in-person walk, event check-in begins at 4 p.m. at the Libro Credit Union and Maitland River Community Church parking lots, with opening ceremonies scheduled for 5 p.m.
Snacks and refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. at the Maitland River Community Church. Walkers can choose a two- or five-kilometre route ending up back at the Libro Credit Union and Maitland River Community Church parking lots. Participants raising over $150, or $75 for youth under 18, receive CNOY toques.
To register a team, or as an individual, visit cnoy.org. For event updates, pictures and more, join the Wingham Coldest Night of the Year group on Facebook.
At the time of writing, nearly $2,000 has been raised with 5 teams registered in Wingham.
North Perth will also have a Coldest Night of the Year walk.
Last year’s CNOY raised $66,646. By walking, participants are supporting UWPH’s work in North Perth on housing and homelessness.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming CNOY back for a fourth year,” said Lee Anne Andriessen, chair of UWPH’s North Perth Community Committee. “Funds raised address challenges North Perth faces around the issue of chronic homelessness. The community really responded to last year’s event, and we hope everyone joins us again this year to help us reach our goal of $70,000.”