Coldest Night of the Year events across eastern Ontario have collectively raised close to $500,000, delivering significant support for charities serving people experiencing hunger, homelessness and hardship.
Northumberland County communities played an important role in that total. In Port Hope, more than $61,000 has been raised in support of the Green Wood Coalition, which provides outreach and advocacy services for vulnerable residents. In Cobourg, walkers have generated over $26,000 for Hope and Light Urban Outreach, helping fund food security initiatives and frontline community supports.
Neighbouring communities also reported strong results. Napanee has exceeded $102,000, while Belleville has raised more than $70,000. Additional walks in Peterborough, Trenton, Picton, and Oshawa contributed substantial totals as well, bringing the broader regional fundraising effort to nearly half a million dollars.
Coldest Night of the Year is a national winter fundraiser that sees participants walk two or five kilometres in February to raise funds and awareness for local organizations supporting individuals facing difficult living conditions.
Importantly, all funds raised remain in the communities where they were collected, supporting year-round services including shelter programs, outreach initiatives, meals and housing supports.
While the official walk date has passed, online fundraising pages remain active as communities continue pushing toward and in some cases surpassing their original goals.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
