$52,330 raised during Coldest Night of the Year Exeter

By Dan Rolph

It was a day to remember those in the community experiencing homelessness as the Coldest Night of the Year hit the streets in Exeter.

The annual fundraiser where walkers bundle up for a trek in the cold weather was organized by United Way Perth-Huron and was one of several hosted throughout the region on Saturday, Feb. 28. Other area fundraisers included events in Goderich, St. Marys, Stratford, Listowel and Wingham.

This year’s walk in Exeter, which set off from Exeter Christian Reformed Church, supported local initiatives such as the Southern Huron Connection Centre and the Huron Homelessness Initiative.

The connection centre offers a place where individuals in the community experiencing homelessness can access showers, washrooms, laundry facilities and meals, as well as connect with local service agencies that can provide further assistance.

“The connection centre is more than just a place,” Andrea Loohuizen, the connection centre’s volunteer co-ordinator and community outreach director, said. “It is a hub for relationships, partnerships and a resource for people facing tough times.”

The Huron Homelessness Initiative supports local programs such as Artemis Huron, Exeter Turning Point and Huron Safe Homes for Youth.

With $52,330 raised in Exeter as of March 9, the walk brought in 80 per cent of its $65,000 goal, with more than 100 walkers on 15 teams supporting the annual event.

Exeter’s top fundraising teams included Grand Bend Winter Walkers ($11,390), The New Testaments ($7,941), LMR Walkers ($3,550), TR-E Huggers ($3,530), South Huron District High School ($2,546), Libro Winter Warriors ($2,118), Hayter’s Farm ($1,325), ERCAMITOJO ($1,000), KZMC Kids and Youth Ministry ($890) and Zion’s Warm Hearts Year 3 ($835).

The top fundraising walker was Cheryl Masson of LMR Walkers, who had raised $2,750 as of March 9.

Across Canada, Coldest Night of the Year was a success, surpassing its $15 million goal with more than 6,500 teams and over 40,000 walkers participating.

South Huron Mayor George Finch spoke to participants before they set off on the walk.

“The Coldest Night of the Year Walk is a reminder of the power of coming together for a cause as a community,” said Finch. “I think we’re making Exeter and South Huron a better place for all.”