The United Way of Bruce Grey is hosting its first Coldest Night of the Year events in Kincardine and Port Elgin.
Fundraising Champion Kristie Andre says the events will be at the Knox Presbyterian Church in Kincardine and at Coulter Parkette in Port Elgin, both on Feb. 25.
Andre says the the event promotes talk around people who have no where to go by having participants walk around the area at night in the cold.
“People want to feel like they want to understand, and they want to help, and that’s just a way to do so,” says Andre.
She adds these inaugural events come as the United Way is looking to branch out its events in order to bring communities together.
“We are United Way Bruce Grey. We are not just Owen Sound, which a lot of our events have been just in this area, just because it’s been easier, our office is here, but we do really want to get out to the other communities that we serve, and this is a great opportunity to do so,” says Andre.
She says those participating can take pledges as the United Way hopes to raise $20,000 for each location.
“We would love to hit that, that would be amazing, that is our goal and we can just see from there next year, maybe it will be higher,” says Andre.
Andre adds the money raised from the Kincardine event will be split with its partner, the Good Food Box program by the Knox Presbyterian Church, which provides food to those in need. The funds raised in Port Elgin, as well as the other half raised in Kincardine, will be going to the United Way to support its various programs, including its S.O.S. program, which provides health and social services for marginalized communities.
Those interested in participating in the events in Kincardine, Port Elgin or Owen Sound, run by Safe n Sound, can register on the event website here.
For more details, you can email Andre at fundraiser@unitedwaybg.com.
