As the momentum builds for this year’s Coldest Night of the Year walk on Saturday, Feb. 24, the increasing presence of homelessness in our community serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of caring for one another.
Event co-chair Ben Mills emphasized the significance of the walk.
“We’re out walking on a really cold night to be in solidarity with members of our community who live in the cold, to try to imagine what that would be like,” says Mills. “The main thrust of Coldest Night of the Year is to raise awareness and, this year, more than most, the number of people living unsheltered in our community is obvious. More and more people are becoming aware of the need to support them and to step up to provide solutions.”
According to event Co-chair Debbie Frye it’s an opportunity to learn more.
Proceeds from this family-friendly event benefit local charities, including Green Wood Coalition in Northumberland County, funding vital programs like street-level outreach and addiction recovery.
Debbie Frye focuses on the difference this walk makes in so many lives as she knocks on doors enlisting team captains and event sponsors.
“I talk about the impact Green Wood makes on people’s lives — the 1800-plus weekly meals delivered last year, the 50 face-to-face connections with people in crisis our outreach team makes each week, Art Hive and the community garden as healing spaces. The money we raise on our walk is truly felt in our community.”
Frye told us what to expect.
With a goal of $95,000, 70 teams, and 400 walkers, this year’s event aims to make an even greater impact than before.
Proceeds from this family-friendly event benefit local charities, including Green Wood Coalition, funding vital programs like street-level outreach and addiction recovery.
Join the walk on February 24th at the Epic Gym parking lot in Port Hope, or participate virtually throughout February.
Visit Port Hope (Green Wood Coalition) – CNOY 2024 Canada to register or donate and be part of the solution.
(Written by Joseph Goden)
