The annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) events held across Grey Bruce over the weekend are being deemed a success, despite battling the winter conditions.
United Way of Bruce Grey Fundraising Champion Kristy Andre says over 500 people took part in their adjusted walks in Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Meaford, and Grey Highlands.
“It was cold, we had to adjust our route in all four locations,” says Andre. “Just for the safety of the people coming out, we didn’t want them to do five kilometre walk, so we encouraged everyone to come if they could because there were a couple of highways closed so we encouraged people to come out if it was safe and they did and they walked two kilometres.”
Safe ‘N Sound Grey Bruce Fundraising and Communications Manager Wren Laurel says they also had a great event with about 150 people showing up to the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market, despite cancelling the walk portion of the event as a result of unsafe conditions.
“We did carnival type games, we definitely leaned more into the entertainment side of things, we had the chance for more people to speak than we normally do. We heard speeches from maybe eight people instead of the usual two or three,” says Laurel.
Laurel adds they were able to raise $61,000, which will go to support the organization’s operational costs in ensuring people in need are able to access their services.
“I am just super thankful to everyone that came out and even though the walk part was cancelled, it was actually really great to have more time to talk and interact with all the teams and fundraising people and the donors,” says Laurel.
Meanwhile, Andre says the about $120,000 United Way raised will go to support its various programs, as well as split it with the local organizations they are supporting, which include the Southampton Rotary Club, the Kincardine Good Food Box Neighbour to Neighbour Initiative, the Meaford Rotary Club, and the Southeast Grey Community Health Centre.
“Seeing the passion and generosity of our communities come together on such a chilly night was truly inspiring. This weather was the coldest we’ve had since running these events and every step taken by our walkers and every dollar raised warms the hearts of our most vulnerable. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our sponsors, community members, and donors,” says Andre.
Andre adds the fundraising period is not over as people can still go to the CNOY website here to donate.