Posted on: December 17th, 2023. Posted by: NewmarketToday Staff, newmarkettoday.ca, Original Article.
Sponsors, walkers needed for Feb. 24 fundraising walk that supports Blue Door and programs, aiming to raise $150,000.
This winter, individuals experiencing homelessness need the community’s help more than ever. Blue Door programs such as the Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold are experiencing first-hand the ever-present homelessness crisis in York Region. The program opened in October this year, a month earlier than in previous years, and has been operating at full capacity since.
While not always visible, York Region’s hidden homeless crisis is real. Recent challenges including the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the escalating cost of living have exacerbated the issue.
Blue Door, York Region’s largest emergency housing provider, works to ensure people experiencing homelessness are not left out in the cold. Entering Canada’s harsh winter, Blue Door’s programs and initiatives work to keep York Region’s most vulnerable safe.
Blue Door cannot do it alone. With limited funding, your help is needed.
On Feb. 24, you can support your community by joining Blue Door’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), presented by Home Trust.
“Imagine if the only blanket you had, was the fresh blanket of snow that piled on top of you as you tried to get some sleep. For too many people in York Region, this cold reality is the only one they know.” says Blue Door CEO Michael Braithwaite. “Each year, we come together as a community for the Coldest Night of the Year walk, to march in solidarity in support of those experiencing homelessness, and to raise funds for life-saving Blue Door programs like Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold.
“This year, I’m going to start my walk eight hours earlier at the start of Yonge Street and walk over 32 km in the cold, ending with our community walk in an effort to raise $10,000. It’s only one day of discomfort and cold, but it could result in many days off the streets for so many.”
There are many ways to become involved in the Coldest Night of the Year and support Blue Door’s programs:
- Become a sponsor: Opportunities range from $500 to $7,500
- Sign up to walk: Register a team and recruit team members to walk and fundraise! Registration is free!
- Spread the word: The best way to get the word out is through community promotion! Consider promoting the event throughout your network. Looking for promotion materials?
To register, donate, or learn more about Blue Door’s Coldest Night of the Year walk, please visit Richmond Hill (Blue Door) – Coldest Night of the Year 2024 Canada (cnoy.org).
Lead sponsor is Descon Conveyer and supporting sponsor Bingo World.