The United Way Bruce Grey says … “It’s cold out there, but together, we can make a difference.”
The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) Walk is about to take place on February 22, 2025! This impactful event takes place in six locations across Bruce Grey: Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Meaford, Grey Highlands, Owen Sound, and Hanover.
The walk is part of a nationwide initiative spanning over 170 cities in Canada that raises essential funds to support individuals and families struggling with hunger, homelessness, and poverty-related challenges.
On Sunday, February 9th, CNOY volunteer John Van Bastalaar, addressed the congregation of Faith Lutheran Church Port Elgin, where John Church is the liaison for the walk.
Van Bastelaar, who also volunteers with the Salvation Army Food Bank, explained that the number of people who use the Food Bank is on the rise. “There is a homeless issue in our community although it may not be visible, but there are people who are hurting and hungry. Those are the three objectives of Coldest Night of the Year, to help those who are homeless, hurting and hungry.”
He went on to explain that 25 per cent of the people who are now using the Food Bank are also working. “After paying bills and rent, they do not have enough money left at the end of the month for food.”
He also pointed out that 60 per cent of the people who are homeless are also local, born and living in the community. “They may not be obvious as they couch-surf, stay with other people or in their grandparents’ homes. There are four food banks in town and, as the problem is not getting any better, we have to remain vigilant. Before Covid, we helped 100 people per month, now we are up to 300. Fortunately, the people of Saugeen Shores are so giving and we are able to provide good, nutritious meals.”
Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is a Canada-wide event and 2025 will be the third year that Saugeen Shores has taken part. This year, the United Way has partnered with the Southampton Rotary Club for the first time to host the event on February 22nd in Southampton and monies raised remain in the community.
“It’s wonderful to help people out in a time of need,” added Van Bastelaar. “It’s every-day people who live around us that are having these problems. Minimum wage has not kept up with buying power and although governments have not kept up, it’s we grass-roots people who can offer a lot. We have a goal again this year of $50,000 to make a real impact in our community and last year, we exceeded that goal.”
The walk will take place in Southampton, beginning at the Southampton Rotary Hall on Grey Street at 4:30 p.m. For those who don’t want to, or can’t, walk, donations can be made at CNOY.org.
Sign Up: https://cnoy.org/location/saugeenshores
Sponsors: Bruce Power and Bruce County Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center
How You Can Participate: Everyone is welcome to join in! Sign up to walk 2 km or 5 km and help raise funds for people in need. You can participate as a walker, team leader, volunteer, or sponsor. Every step and every dollar raised helps provide vital support to our most vulnerable community members.
Toque Bonus! Fundraisers who collect $75 (youth under 17) or $150 (adults) will receive the iconic Coldest Night toque as a special thank-you gift.
Sign Up Today! Registration is open now, and we need your help to reach our fundraising goals. Visit www.cnoy.org to sign up, donate, or learn more about how you can get involved.
Be a walker. Be a leader. Be the difference.
Join us on February 22nd, 2025, and show your #LocalLove!
