The Coldest Night of the Year is coming up at the end of February.
This annual fundraiser will take place across Canada on Feb. 24. Safe ‘N Sound in Owen Sound will also once again host a walk at the Farmers’ Market as it aims to raise $80,000 to support its services.
And the United Way of Bruce Grey will be involved in four walks in the region next month. In addition to Saugeen Shores and Kincardine, they’re also happening in Grey Highlands and Meaford.
Fundraising Champion for the United Way Bruce Grey Kristy André says that while the organization is based in Owen Sound, it’s important to expand into smaller communities to make sure that everyone who needs the United Way’s help can access it.
“We really want to get out into Bruce Grey, because we are United Way Bruce Grey, and this event allows us to do so. We are able to not only fundraise in these communities but also just spread awareness about what the United Way does,” says André.
Last year, the CNOY walk held in Saugeen Shores raised $52,095 and has a goal this year to raise $50,000. In Kincardine, $24,433 was raised in 2023, and they have a goal of raising $25,000 for this year’s event.
For the two new walks in Grey Highlands and Meaford, each has a fundraising goal of $20,000.
The money raised by the Coldest Night of the Year is used for several United Way programs, from the Backpack Program to the Financial Literacy Program, to the Utility Assistance Program.
Each community has a local partner for this year’s fundraiser.
The Saugeen Shores CNOY walk is partnering with the Port Elgin Rotary Club, Kincardine is paired with the Kincardine Good Food Box, in Grey Highlands, they’re working with the South East Grey Community Health Centre, and Meaford is working with the Meaford Rotary Club.
“They all have so much involvement with those communities already, and they all have wonderful ideas and plans of what this money can help with when it comes to their organizations as well.”
Over 2023, the United Way had some programs in high demand, which led to the organization at risk of coming up short for the end of the year.
André says that it’s because of the economic strain on everyone, from individuals to families.
The event will be held on February 24, 2024, with local walks starting at 4:30 p.m.
There is also a virtual option, says André.
“If you’re not comfortable in those crowded settings just yet, we are inviting you to do it virtually. So you can do it wherever you are, whenever you want to.”
To find information on how to be a walker, team captain, volunteer, or sponsor, visit cnoy.org.
