The annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk is seeing massive support across the region.
A number of walks were held across Grey Bruce on Saturday as part of the national annual fundraiser in support of those experiencing homelessness.
Safe ‘N Sound in Owen Sound returned with its walk at the Farmers’ Market and Executive Director Annette Pedlar says they had over 250 people take part in either a two kilometre or five kilometre walk.
“It was wonderful, we raised just under $60,000 and so it was a really fantastic turn out,” says Pedlar.
She says they are excited about how much support the community showed.
“There was just a lot of energy and coming together of the community to show they really care about our most marginalized people,” says Pedlar.
Pedlar adds the funds raised will go towards Safe ‘N Sound’s operational costs, which provides shelter, support, advocacy and referral to those experiencing homelessness.
“Primarily our funding for the summer. We do receive some funding from Grey County, but it is not enough to really keep the doors open and keep everybody fed and the lights on,” says Pedlar.
The United Way of Bruce Grey also came back for the second year in hosting CNOY walks, even expanding into two more communities, bringing the fundraiser to Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Grey Highlands, and Meaford.
Fundraising Champion Kristy Andre says the walks went very well and had exceeded expectations for bringing the walks to new communities.
“It was honestly such a great time, the energy was so fantastic,” says Andre. “We were so grateful for everyone that showed up.”
She says while they do not have the total amount raised calculated yet, they had around 500 walkers take part across the four locations.
“In each location we have a partner that we will be splitting the proceeds with,” says Andre. “For the United Way, we are putting the donations towards our programs and services that are also helping these communities and the need just keeps growing and this is our way to support the people as much as we can,” says Andre.
People who would like to donate can visit the CNOY website here.