It was an inspiring display of community support.
The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising walk on Saturday shared a message of support and hope, after walkers raised funds for Leeds and Grenville programming, through the John Howard Society of Kingston and District.
Walkers were united in their support of Connect Youth, a youth organization that helps people with skills, supports and resources to successfully transition into adulthood.
Robyn Holmes, who oversees the Connect Youth Program, said the Coldest Night event was a big success, with a large community turnout.
“We look forward to this event every year. Not only because it helps to generate funds for our program, but most importantly for us it helps to generate awareness about homeless-serving programs in our area.”
Holmes said 147 walkers registered and about 20 more showed up the day of.
They are about 80 per cent towards a goal of $40,000, and have until the end of March to continue collecting donations.
“For Coldest Night of the year, these funds go back to support our homeless-serving program, which includes justice-involved housing, outreach and our youth-specific housing support program.”
Hailie Jack, Executive Director at United Way Leeds and Grenville, said their organization was inspired by an incredible display of community.Â
Jack said awareness was raised for homelessness, supporting vital programs like the essential services provided to at-risk youth by Connect Youth across Leeds & Grenville.
Jack adds that while participants were fortunate enough to warm up inside and experience a strong sense of community, there are many in the area who do not have that privilege.
