Posted On: February 24, 2026, Posted By: Glynn Perkins, 105.9 The Region, Original Audio
Karen Al Massaad, Director of Programs at Blue Door, recently joined Glynn Perkins on 105.9 The Region to talk about homelessness in York Region and Blue Door’s signature fundraiser, the Coldest Night of the Year walk in Richmond Hill.
Who Blue Door Serves
Blue Door is a York Region–based organization dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, and poverty. Through a range of housing, health, and employment programs, Blue Door helps individuals and families move from crisis to stability and, ultimately, long-term independence.
Karen emphasized that Blue Door’s work is grounded in dignity, safety, and inclusion, with a commitment to ensuring that no one in the community is left behind.
A Growing Need in Dangerous Winter Conditions
The clients Blue Door serves come from all walks of life—
- families
- single adults
- seniors
- youth
- couples
On any given night, around 360 people are accessing Blue Door’s programs.
Karen noted that the need becomes especially urgent during the winter months, when freezing temperatures can turn homelessness into a life-threatening emergency. As temperatures drop well below zero, Blue Door and other service providers in the region work to open extra spots and ensure that no one is turned away from a safe, warm bed
The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk is one of Blue Door’s largest annual fundraisers.
The Coldest Night of the Year Walk in Richmond Hill
The Coldest Night of the Year is a national winter walk that raises funds and awareness for people experiencing homelessness and housing instability in communities across Canada. Blue Door leads the Richmond Hill event, and every dollar raised locally stays in the community, directly supporting people who rely on Blue Door’s programs.
Participants can choose from a 2 km or 5 km walk. The event also features:
- A warm meal
- Family-friendly activities, including a kids’ zone
- Photo spots and community gathering areas
Last year, over 200 participants joined the walk, and Blue Door is hoping to see even more community members come out this year.
Karen stressed that for one evening, participants choose to walk in the cold to gain even a small sense of what many community members live through every single night. Beyond fundraising, the event is about community, compassion, and visibility—ensuring people feel seen, supported, and cared for, not forgotten.
Goal, Impact, and How to Get Involved
This year, Blue Door has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $150,000. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors such as Fairstone and Interworld Paper, along with early supporters, about 80% of that goal has already been raised. The remaining funds will help Blue Door continue to provide safe, warm spaces and vital supports to hundreds of people each night.
Community members can participate, donate, or volunteer by visiting:
CNOY.org/RichmondHill
Registration is free, and the online process to donate or sign up is simple, quick, and secure. Those who raise $150 or more will receive the official Coldest Night of the Year toque as a token of appreciation.
Karen invited everyone to take part in any way they can—by walking, donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word—because every step and every dollar helps keep someone safe and warm.
Listen to the full interview here.