HARRISTON – The first Coldest Night of the Year walk in northern Wellington was warmly received, more than doubling organizers’ initial fundraising goal.
“With the generosity of everyone in this room, we have crushed our goal of $20,000,” Allyssandra Kent, executive director of the Community Resource Centre (CRC) of North Wellington and Centre Wellington, told participants and volunteers at the Harriston-Minto Community Complex on Feb. 22.
“Before we even step outside here tonight we have raised over $40,000 to directly support those experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness” in Minto, Mapleton, Wellington North and Centre Wellington.
She added, “We are gathering to raise awareness in the county of the increased number of individuals and families that are suffering from being unsheltered and food insecure.
“We walk through cold and dark in February to declare our concern for people who have no home and need shelter.
“We walk for those whose days are a battle to house and feed their families and whose nights are filled with fear and frustration.
“We walk for those driven from home by violence and abuse and we walk for people overwhelmed by isolation, guilt … each step we take brings someone closer to safety, health and home as together, we raise funds for the CRC’s vital outreach programs.”
Organized by the CRC, the event involved a 2.5 or 5km walk through Harriston, followed by a meal for participants.
Funds raised will go to CRC community outreach and support services – programs which work with low-income families and individuals in Centre Wellington, Wellington North, Minto and Mapleton to connect them with resources, as well as affordable and emergency housing.
The north Wellington event drew 31 teams, including 159 walkers, who raised pledges for the cause, and was supported by nearly 50 volunteers.
The top fundraisers were a team dubbed “Freezing on Farley,” headed by Corey Parish, which raised $10,100.
“We’re really pleased that you chose Minto” as the site for the inaugural north Wellington walk, said Minto Mayor Dave Turton.
“A few months ago, we started to talk about having Coldest Night of the Year here …
“(We had) no idea that it was going to be of his magnitude.”
