The 5th annual Coldest Night of the Year event is taking place throughout the month of February to help the less fortunate in Chatham-Kent.
Part of a national campaign, coordinator Al Baker says the local event raises money for programs and services at Neighbour-Link Chatham-Kent.
While the official walk date is this Saturday, February 20th, Baker says they’re doing things a little differently this year.
“In past years, we have this big gathering on walk day, we have a big opening ceremony celebration to kick off, people go out and do the walk, and then we have everybody back for a hot supper,” Baker says. “Because of the restrictions in place, we’re just not able to do that this year. People can walk whenever they want in February after they collect their pledges.”
Baker says the plight of those experiencing poverty and homelessness has been highlighted by the pandemic.
“Poverty has many faces, one of them being isolation. I think what COVID-19 has done, it has raised awareness among the population that a lot of people are isolated and suffering from food insecurity. Those two terrible things about poverty are certainly prevalent and top of mind with people, so I think people see this is one way they can get out and combat that.”
So far, over 110 participants have already signed up for the event, surpassed the fundraising goal with more than $34,000 in pledges so far.
To register or make a donation, visit cnoy.org/location/chatham-kent.
