The Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser will return to communities across Canada on February 28, with participants in Muskoka walking to raise funds and awareness for organizations supporting those experiencing hunger, poverty, and homelessness.
This year’s event includes 224 participating locations nationwide, each raising funds for a local charitable organization. In Muskoka, walkers in Huntsville will fundraise in support of The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation, while Gravenhurst participants will raise funds for Gravenhurst Against Poverty.
“Coldest Night of the Year is a bit of a funny name, we understand — we didn’t make it up,” said Heather Cassie, founder and CEO of The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation. “But we are going to invite you still to join us. It’s not all night long; it’s just a little walk for a big problem.”
The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation is a non-profit organization serving Huntsville and surrounding areas through a range of programs, including a food bank, soup kitchen, exchange store, and a men’s hostel. Gravenhurst Against Poverty is a community-powered organization that supports residents facing poverty by providing meals, food hampers, transportation assistance, and wellness programs.
Participants can register to walk, donate, or fundraise individually or as part of a team. Walks will begin and end at each community’s respective charitable organization and will include opening remarks and a light meal. Walkers can choose between a two-kilometre or five-kilometre route.
In Huntsville, 17 teams and 42 walkers have registered as of Jan. 22, and more than $15,000 has been raised toward The Table’s $110,000 fundraising goal. Meanwhile, Gravenhurst had 28 teams and 84 walkers registered, having raised more than $43,000 toward its $185,000 goal.
More information about the event or registration details can be found on the Coldest Night of the Year website.
