Walkers successful in reaching fundraising goal at Goderich Coldest Night of the Year

Participants for the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) in Goderich went above the $150,000 goal in support of the Huron Homelessness Initiative.

With 250 walkers, 47 teams and three volunteers, the CNOY in Goderich took place on Saturday, February 28. As of March 2, participants have raised $156,302.

Huron Homelessness Initiative provides programs such as emergency shelter for women and children escaping intimate partner violence at Artemis Huron, youth shelter supports via Huron Safe Homes for Youth and year-round, 24-hour temporary emergency accommodation and supports as well as transitional housing.

According to United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH), every dollar raised from CNOY is a statement that everyone deserves warmth, dignity, and support.

Mayor Trevor Bazinet expressed his thoughts on what CNOY means as a community.

“This event proves that when our community comes together, we lead with empathy, generosity, and action,” Bazinet wrote in a post on social media.

“Walking in the cold is symbolic. It reminds us that for some, winter isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. But because of you, people facing hunger, homelessness and hardship know they are not alone.”

With 47 teams involved in the walk this year, some notable fundraising was accomplished by Bernie’s Bunch (26 members raised $27,410), Trinity Trekkers (10 members raised $9,726) and OH MY GODERICH (four members raised $9,486).

Individual walkers played a big part in the fundraising efforts, including Bernice Glenn who raised $7,785, Cheryl Dunn who raised $5,985 and Randy Carroll who raised $5,101.

While the CNOY event raised enough funds well past the initial goal, donations are still being received.

To donate to this cause visit https://cnoy.org/location/goderich