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‘Shelter from the freezing cold’: York Region’s Coldest Night of the Year walk Feb. 24 has only raised 55% of goal

Articles
February 13, 2024

Posted on: February 13th, 2024. Posted by: Lisa Queen yorkregion.com, Original Article.

With just days to go before the annual Coldest Night of the Year to support homeless people in York Region, just over half of the fundraising goal has been raised, according to Blue Door.

Blue Door, the region’s largest emergency housing provider, is appealing to residents to support the event, which is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for people experiencing hunger, hurt, and homelessness in the region.

Residents can make a difference by participating in the walk, donating or volunteering.

Blue Door hopes to raise $150,000. As of Feb. 9, 55 per cent of the target had been raised.

“For many, winter might be layering up, skiing, shovelling snow, or running inside to escape the bitter cold. For far too many, winter means trying to find shelter from the freezing cold on an empty stomach without warm enough clothing to face the elements,” Blue Door CEO Michael Braithwaite said.

“At Blue Door, we are working hard so that everyone has a safe place to call home, even if it’s just for one night. Our Coldest Night of the Year event on Feb. 24 is a chance for our community to come together, to raise funds and walk in solidarity to support Blue Door’s various programs and initiatives moving forward.”

The event begins Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. at the lower campus of Toronto Montessori School at 8569 Bayview Ave. in Richmond Hill.