Coldest Night of the Year nears fundraising goal

Sporting their toques as individual fundraisers who collected $150, participants in the Coldest Night of the Year set out on their walk on Saturday afternoon. The fundraiser for Tillsonburg Light House was only a few hundred dollars from its goal as of press time. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

There was excitement in the air in the Tillsonburg Community Centre Lion’s Auditorium as participants in the Coldest Night of the Year prepared to walk to raise money to aid homelessness locally.

The third annual fundraiser, coordinated by United Way of Oxford in Tillsonburg, sees all proceeds going to Tillsonburg Lighthouse, a transitional housing initiative that helps the homeless.

“What you’re doing here tonight will make a difference for your neighbours, your town and your community,” United Way of Oxford Executive Director Kelly Gilson told those in the audience before they set out.

Oxford MP Arpan Khanna told the crowd there are 2.5 million Canadians who rely on food banks monthly, and there is a 10 per cent increase in homelessness. He said local initiatives like this help communities.

“Every step you take, every dollar you raise is going to make someone’s winter a little warmer,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres continued on that theme, noting he woke up that morning in a warm house.

“There’s more than 85,000 people that don’t have that luxury, just think about that,” he said.

The real motivator was a man who was a resident of Tillsonburg Light House. He went four years without finding a job and was struggling before living in Tillsonburg Light House.

“This program helped me so much, I’m getting back on my feet again,” he said.

Gilson said since it opened in May 2023, 31 people have gone through Tillsonburg Light House. All who have finished have gone on to stable, independent housing and have been equipped with “everything they need to have an amazing future story.”

“We are truly changing lives together,” she said.

With walkers ready to set out, the event was at 97 per cent of its goal, raising $50,400 towards $52,000. There were 121 walkers, 22 teams, and 31 volunteers who helped to make the night a success.

The Tillsonburg Kinettes, who were last year's top fundraising team, lost the unofficial competition for the top team to the Rotary Club this year. President Carrie Lewis said they plan on challenging the Kinsmen next year to see who can raise more. The Kinsmen didn’t have a team this year, but club member Ken Butcher did walk with the Kinettes.

“The thing we like most about it is the funds from this go right back into Tillsonburg,” Lewis said.

Rotary member Kris Layman was also the top individual fundraiser, raising $4,325 himself. He was also the Rotary member who organized the team and expected the Kinettes to surpass them again. His goal was only to raise $2,000 as a Rotary team, but they hit $6,950.

Speaking to his individual success, Layman said his generous donors make it possible. He built a network of people who respected what he is doing and continue to support it.

The top five teams, in order of finish, were: Rotary Club, Kinettes, Crosspoint Church, Ontario Nurses Association and Care Bears.

Gilson was happy with the outcome, predicting the goal would be hit after the event. By Monday morning, 99 per cent of the goal had been raised.

“We set what we thought was a bit of a stretch goal,” she said. “We wanted as much as we could to do as much as we can in the community. It does speak to the generosity of the community because these are difficult times.”

Asked why the event continues to be a success, Gilson answered, “Everyday people see homelessness in their community. In a community our size, people see it, and they care about it. They want to help and don’t know what to do about it. This is a direct way they can do something and make a difference.”