Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Utilizing an image of Bon Jovi on social media to emphasize their point, Napanee’s Coldest Night of the Year organizers announced they’re ‘half way there’ to their fundraising goal of $100,000.
All signs point to the charitable event being able to reach its goal ahead of the walk date, which is set for Feb. 25. All proceeds raised will go to Napanee’s Morningstar Mission.
With the big day fast approaching, the Beaver spoke with organizer Lynda Carney for an update.
“We still have time for people to put in a team or join a team,” said Carney, noting as of Monday there were 171 walkers signed up with 40 teams. “There’s plenty of time to still do some fundraising. We’re thrilled with the response so far.”
Participants can sign up as an individual or part of a team, collecting pledges in return for walking 5 km on the evening of Feb. 25. The event is scheduled to get underway when check-in opens at 4 p.m. at Trinity United Church. Opening remarks begin at 5 p.m., followed shortly by the send off, where walkers will travel to Alma Street, back trough the downtown core to Robert Street, heading towards the Mission on Water Street, which marks the unofficial halfway point and will feature a rest stop with hot chocolate. From there walkers continue to Bridge Street and loop back to Trinity United. Completing the course twice represents 5 km.
The symbolism of walking during the evening in the middle of winter is to serve as a stark reminder as to what thousands of homeless Canadians face on a nightly basis.
“Chances are it might be a little bit milder than it has been in the past but I still think it’s a really good indication to what people who struggle with homelessness or food insecurity, the elements play a huge factor in how people manage and the resources that need to manage,” said Carney. “Being involved in it is a great reminder, but also the timing of it being evening and being outdoors is also a solid reminder of what it might be like if we were having the struggles of those we’re trying to help.”
Following the conclusion of the walk, participants are invited to stay for dinner in the basement of Trinity.
“Last year we were not able to do that because of COVID restrictions so we had bagged meals ready to go when they got back,” said Carney. “This year we’re able to come together as a group, feed some people some nice warm food and warm up for a few minutes before we send them on their way, so we’re looking forward to that.”
Anyone looking to get involved has plenty of options, whether it’s signing up to do the walk, sponsoring a walker or volunteering on the day of the event. Those that do sign up can sign their name on a paper snowflake to be added to the ‘Snow Squwall’ located at the Mission.
For more information on how to get involved, visit https://cnoy.org/location/napanee.
Coldest Night of the Year walks will be taking place across Canada on Feb. 25, each one raising funds for an organization that supports a charity in their community that serves people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness. The Mission was chosen in Napanee because of their efforts to operate a warming centre throughout the winter months. Last year’s event brought in $81,000 here in Napanee.