Coldest Night of the Year returns to Goderich on February 22

Goderich and Area Community Committee (Back row, L-R): Bernice Glenn, Michelle Millar, April Selkirk. (Front row, L-R): Manoj Medavarapu, Beth Blowes, and Vicky Parent. (Missing): Mary Bruce and David Mackechnie.

The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an event that draws tens of thousands of Canadians out of the comfort and warmth of their home each year. This year the annual event will be held on Saturday, February 22.

United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) and lead sponsor of Jayden’s Mechanical invite everyone to register for CNOY.

“We’re excited for this year’s walk,” said Michelle Millar, UWPH Manager Community Development, Goderich and Area.

“This year’s theme is ‘change the tune’, which speaks to the opportunity we have, to impact the lives of vulnerable local people by putting one foot in front of the other.”

CNOY is a moment that gathers people to walk through the cold and dark in February to declare concern for those who have no home and seek shelter, for those whose nights are filled with fear, for those driven from home by abuse.

Funds raised during CNOY go to organizations whose commitment and work transforms lives. The collected funds are for critical local services to support vulnerable families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

The walk in Goderich is a family-friendly fundraising event in support of local charities, to help those experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.

This year the goal in Goderich is to raise $135,000, and as of January 16 funds raised so far sits at 31 per cent of the goal.

According to Millar, Goderich Town Councillor Randy Carroll, out of more than 10,000 walkers across Canada, he is currently ranked first with over $15,000 raised.

“We’d love to see someone take up the challenge and try to match Randy’s total, all in the name of supporting people right here in our community,” added Millar.

A total of 24 teams, and 92 walkers are registered for the event in Goderich, with just over 30 days left until the event.

Funds raised support programs such as shelter for women and children escaping violence, shelter supports for youth, Heart to Home, transitional housing for me, and the Huron Supportive Housing Advocate.

This year’s CNOY on Saturday, February 22, offers an option to walk anytime in February. Event check-in begins at 4 p.m. at the Goderich Legion with opening ceremonies at 5 p.m.

Team Captains, watch for an email update on how to pick up your team’s toques earlier.

Steve and Mary’s on the Square will supply homemade soup for participants, and there will be an all ages social and music event at the Legion following the walk.

Walkers can choose a two- or five-kilometre route around Courthouse Square. Participants raising over $150 ($75 for youth under 18), will receive a CNOY toque.

As part of the Goderich event, Clinton is also holding a CNOY walk but on Friday, February 21 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. starting outside at Central Huron Community Centre (CHCC).

Local schools, businesses and residents are invited to join the community walk. Hot chocolate will be served to all participants upstairs in the town hall after the walk.

Additionally, there will be a walk in Seaforth on February 22 at 10 a.m. at Seaforth Town Hall, with a light meal and refreshments at Seaforth Presbyterian Church after.

Funds raised in Seaforth will support the upcoming Nourish Equal Access Market, offering wholesale prices on nutritious, local vegetables, fruits, and meat to residents facing food insecurity.

This year sponsors for CNOY include Canadian Tire Goderich, Capital Power, Compass Minerals, Excalibur Insurance, Ideal Supply, Jayden’s Mechanical, McDonald’s Goderich and Murray McKercher Lawyers. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Millar at mmillar@perthhuron.unitedway.ca for details.

Visit https://cnoy.org/location/goderich to register to walk and fundraise, or to volunteer. For updates join the Goderich Coldest Night of the Year group on Facebook.